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Friday, September 25, 2015

Head Lice Infestation In Children

A mother brings her two children, ages 7 and 4, who have been complaining of itchy scalps. So far, they have not tried any treatments.
On examination of both children, you find erythematous papules on the occiput and small white
eggs firmly attached to the hair shaft about 1 cm from the scalp.


What is the most likely cause and how to manage it?
 Head Lice Infestation ( Pediculosis Capitis)

Case Discussion:

Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis) is a common and highly contagioug infection most commonly seen in school going children , at day care and people living under crowded and low socioeconomic conditions.

Etiology: It is caused by infestation with the human head louse : Pediculus humanus capitis. .

Pathogenesis: Lice are very small insects that feed on human blood. The female louse attaches her eggs (nits) to the base of the hair near the scalp, and the nits hatch in 7 to 10 days. lice are spread from child to child by close head to head contact and by sharing hair brushes and other infested belongings.

Clinical features: It causes discomfort and itching but typically does not constitute a serious condition. A child may be irritable from itching or may not sleep properly. Excessive itching may cause scratches and secondary skin infections.

Management: 
1. Using fine toothed comb to remove the lice and the nits.
2. Good hygiene and regular hair washing.
3. Treatment with topical agents such as permethrin cream for two applications is also effective.
4. It is important to disinfect the bedding and treat all close contacts at the same time
5.Children need regular and frequent inspection of the hair as they may get re infected.

2 comments:

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