Friday, February 25, 2011

That's Lice

Head lice are always an annoying thing to get. Head lice is a condition, called Pediculosis capitis, caused by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis).  Head lice are small, wingless insects that spend their entire life feeding on the human scalp.  Although head lice can be pests, they do not cause any disease, unlike the the body louse.  Body lice can be vectors for many diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever.  Head lice only cause discomfort.  Head lice infestations are caused by dirct contact with an infected person or by using their articles of clothing or cosmetics.

Head lice can be diagnosed by using a louse comb to comb down a person's hair.  If lice, nymphs or nits (eggs) are found, treatment is necessary.  if a person has head lice, everyone in their family has to be checked for them.

There are many treatments for head lice.  The most common, and effective, treatment for head lice is to use medicated shampoos.  These shampoos aren't as hard on the hair as other treatments but, along with a comb, very effective.  Other treatments include hot air, chemical treatments, silicon based creams, natural remedies, and shaving the patients hair of altogether.  If I were to get head lice, I would prefer the shampoo because I would like to keep my hair (some are the exact opposite). 

Head lice is such a problem in young children because they are always in close contact.  Head lice are so contagious that if one kid gets them, their whole school can get them in a matter of weeks.  Some epidemics have become so bad that many policies had to be formed to keep the lice in check.

In  my opinion, I think that head lice are a nuisance to anyone that has them.  I am sure that if I were going to get them, i would be annoyed.  How would you feel if you got head lice?



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_lice#cite_note-Bolognia-0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_louse
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_louse

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