What Is Head Lice?

Head lice are microscopic insects that crawl along the surface of the skin and nest in your head. They are bloodsuckers that feed off the blood and follicles of your scalp and typically don’t leave on their own. While head lice are more common in children, they can develop on the heads of anyone that they are capable of attaching to.

While contracting head lice isn’t a sign of uncleanliness or poor personal hygiene, it does mean that you should get help fast. Head lice typically nest and live in the hair and head of their hosts and lay tiny eggs that hatch and start head lice colonies.

How Is Head Lice Diagnosed?

The most obvious signs of head lice are the physical symptoms accompanying them. Extreme itchiness and redness of the scalp, as well as visible lice, are the best indicators. Head lice are tiny, but you can see them with the naked eye. During an active infestation, you will be able to see adult lice moving along the hair and scalp.

However, head lice are quick and tricky little insects. You may need to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist and have them professionally inspect your scalp to find active signs of head lice. Your doctor will use a specialized light known as a Wood’s Light that causes lice eggs to appear bluish.

Treatment Options for Head Lice

There’s no doubt that head lice are a serious nuisance that nobody wants to deal with. However, they don’t present a major health concern and are relatively easy to deal with.

Over-the-Counter Medications

In most head lice infestations, over-the-counter medications can deal with the problem. Permethrin and pyrethrin are the two most common over-the-counter medications for head lice. They come in the form of shampoos and should be applied after the infected person’s hair has been rinsed with white vinegar and warm water.

Prescription Medications

In serious cases where you’re desperate to get rid of head lice, a doctor will prescribe you a special medicated shampoo. These shampoos typically contain either ivermectin, spinosad, or malathion, depending on the person’s age.

Contact Dermatology & Surgery Associates today to learn more about head lice.