The term "pediculosis" in medicine denotes a nosological form, namely, infection of a person with insect parasites - lice. By the way, this is one of the most common problems in the world.
As a rule, an increase in the number of people suffering from head lice accompanies all kinds of cataclysms: wars, natural or technological disasters, socio-political crises, etc. That is, situations in which the number of people without housing, without work, and also with the criminal contingent increases. Such people create foci of infection around themselves, which leads to outbreaks of pediculosis epidemics.
But unfortunately, this problem also concerns socially prosperous families. Since lice settle in the hair of a person, regardless of his position in society. How do they end up there? 
The article will examine in detail pediculosis: causes, prevention, measures to combat it in adults and children.
Natural features of head lice
Lice are highly specific parasites, since the hair of each animal species inhabits only a certain type of lice. Man is no exception. Only head, body and pubic lice parasitize on it.
To better understand what pediculosis is (the causes of this problem), we will take a closer look at all the causative agents of this disease.
Head lice settle and breed on the hair of the head, preferring whiskey, crown and nape. Eggs called nits are laid there. They have a size of approximately 0.8 mm and, with the help of a secret secreted by the female during laying, are glued to the hair.
The development of an individual lasts 9 days. The female lives about a month, laying about 140 eggs during this time. She eats often, up to 12 times a day, consuming small portions of blood (about 0.7 mg).
The female is very sensitive to changes in temperature: if it decreases, then the development of the insect slows down. So, at 20 ° C the louse ceases to lay eggs, and the larvae suspend their development. But it is interesting that head lice do not leave febrile patients. 
Where do lice live
The causes of the appearance of pediculosis of another species are body lice. These are larger individuals living in the folds of clothes and the seams of bedding. Nits adhere to the villi of the fabric. By the way, this type of louse can leave eggs on the human body: on the fluffy hair. But basically they get over there only for feeding.
The fertility of these females is more significant - up to 300 eggs. The amount of blood consumed is also considerable - up to 2 mg at a time.
Body lice do not tolerate fever and leave febrile patients, passing on to others. By the way, in search of a new object, they can crawl at a speed of up to 30 mm per minute. 
Features of pubic lice
Unlike clothes, pubic lice are practically motionless and spend all the time immersing the proboscis in the skin of the host. They lay eggs on the hairs growing on the pubis, as well as on the eyebrows and eyelashes. Throughout life, one pubic louse lays no more than 50 eggs.
Infection with them occurs mainly during sexual intercourse, but it is also possible when using common towels, washcloths and bedding.
What is lice dangerous for humans
Considering pediculosis (causes, prevention, control measures), one cannot help but dwell on what exactly these parasites are dangerous for humans.
On the territory of Russia at the moment three types of diseases transmitted by lice are known (we are talking about rash and relapsing fever, as well as Volyn fever). And the main carrier of these diseases, as has already been proven, is the louse. But the headache can also be a source of danger. 
Causes of pediculosis in children and adults
As you probably already guessed, the main reason for infection with lice is their transmission through direct contact from a sick person to a healthy person. It can be household items (comb, towel, clothes) or sexual contact (if we are talking about pubic lice). Often, infection occurs in public transport or in places where crowding is observed.
And what can explain the causes of pediculosis in children? By the way, girls with long hair are especially susceptible, because it is easier to catch on an insect in such hair. Everyone knows that girls love to do each other's hairstyles. But at the same time, they use common hairbrushes and hairpins. In addition, they willingly try on the things of their friends, passing along with pediculosis.
By the way, lice, contrary to the established opinion, do not jump from one head to another. They can only crawl, and they do it very skillfully. Especially in camps where children's beds are close enough to each other. And during active games, lice can fall from the head of a healthy child infected to the head.
Signs of lice infection
Describing pediculosis (causes, prevention, measures to combat infection), of course, one cannot fail to mention the signs of parasites in humans. 
One of the first manifestations is severe itching (it is caused by the salivary secretion of lice), which is why traces of scratching and bloody crusts appear on the skin.
- In addition, the infected person becomes irritable and may have insomnia.
- Lice or nits similar to dandruff are found in the hair. Upon closer inspection, it is clear that these are whitish sacs filled with liquid, glued to the hairs.
- In places of bites, the so-called papular urticaria (rash in the form of papules - small nodules on the surface of the skin) appears.
- With a prolonged course of pediculosis, dermatitis, skin eczematization and pustular inflammation (pyoderma) develops.
- And with the spread of pyoderma, an increase in lymph nodes can be observed.
Manifestations of prolonged head, ward and pubic lice
With prolonged head lice in an infected person, serous-purulent exudate glues hair, which, in turn, causes the formation of a tangle and an unpleasant odor. In such a patient, even smooth skin of the auricles, areas behind the ears and neck is affected.
A prolonged wake lice, the causes, symptoms and treatment of which we are also considering today, provokes the appearance of the so-called "skin of strollers" in infected people. This symptom is expressed by melasma (dark pigmentation) and coarsening of the skin.
With the pubic form of the disease, the sites of introduction of the plaques are “decorated” with characteristic bluish spots. 
Pediculosis: causes, treatment of the disease
It is very important to remember that pediculosis cannot pass by itself. It requires compulsory treatment. Regardless of the causes of this disease, the fight against it includes a set of measures to help prevent the occurrence of a relapse of the disease. That is, they use both chemical means (pediculocides) and mechanical ones - removing lice and larvae with a comb.
Chemicals (ointments, shampoos and sprays) include antiparasitic components. They are prescribed depending on the course and neglect of the disease, sometimes it is necessary to carry out therapy in several stages.
Pediculosis medications
The requirements for pediculocides are the same - this is the reliability and speed of the therapeutic effect, the absence of odor, side effects and economic affordability for the buyer.
In the fight against head and pubic lice, Russian-made products such as Pediculen R Ultra and Medilis-bio, as well as Paranit Lotion and Paranit Spray (Ireland and Belgium), Para Plus "(France) and" Full Marx "(UK), as well as many other modern drugs.
In the process of treatment, it is important to follow the instructions for use and especially pay attention to age restrictions. In the case of skin diseases or allergies, when the use of chemicals is impossible, doctors recommend mechanical removal of insects and nits by combing and short cutting.
Do not use kerosene, it will kill lice, but it will cause permanent damage to hair! Avoid using chemicals for severe scratching and inflammation on the scalp, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 
Prevention of lice infestation
The treatment of pediculosis must be combined with anti-epidemic actions in the family and team of the patient. Disinfect hats, clothes, bedding and the room as a whole, depending on the epidemiological situation.
And for the prevention of the disease, personal hygiene is very important: hair care, regular change of bed and underwear, individual use of clothing, hats and combs. Routine examinations also help reduce the risk of getting lice.
As you probably saw, pediculosis (causes, prevention, measures to combat it) - all this is a very important topic for maintaining the health of a large number of people. Therefore, be attentive to yourself and your children, do not ignore the signs of the appearance of lice, take precautions and you will be able to avoid parasites. Be healthy!