Head lice has been a problem for centuries, yet despite this, the disease remains a persistent problem. It is now registered as a distinct entity, and outbreaks of head lice are observed annually in many countries around the world.
Uninvited guests
Head lice are the causative agents of head lice—very small parasitic insects (only 2-4 mm in size) that are gray or light brown in color. They live on the surface of the human scalp and feed on blood. They most often infest the temples, the back of the head, and the area around the ears.
Head lice are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. The optimal temperature for their development is 26-28°C. When the temperature drops, their development slows, and at 20°C, they stop laying eggs (nits). It is known that the development period of this parasite from egg to adult is less than three weeks. A female lays several eggs daily, and the total number of eggs over her lifespan (about one month) is approximately 140.
Head lice are difficult to detect due to their ability to move quickly across the scalp. The eggs (nits) are more visible, but they are difficult to remove because they are firmly attached to the hair by the female's sticky secretion.
The main symptoms of head lice appear several days after infestation. Small reddish spots appear on the scalp, neck, and ear area. The saliva secreted by the lice during feeding causes intense itching, resulting in scratches, wounds, and abrasions on the scalp. These can become entry points for a secondary bacterial infection, which in turn can lead to inflammation and swelling of the cervical lymph nodes. An allergic reaction to lice bites is also possible.
Pediculosis in children
Head lice infestation is primarily transmitted through direct contact between the head of an infected person and the head of a healthy person. When hair touches, the lice use the hook-shaped claws on their feet to move toward their new host. They move quite quickly, for example, covering a distance of twenty centimeters in sixty seconds.
Although this condition can affect people of any age, it is most often diagnosed in children aged 5 to 12 years, as they are particularly socially active and interact closely with others, which facilitates the rapid spread of the disease. According to statistics, only 30 percent of children have never had head lice.
The primary infection sites are recreational areas and generally those places where large numbers of children are present at the same time. This is why, at the beginning of each school year, health workers at kindergartens and schools are required to examine all children for lice in order to identify those infected as quickly as possible and prevent further spread of the disease. Adults, however, typically encounter head lice after contracting the infection from their children.
Psychology of the problem
The occurrence of head lice, in both children and adults, is associated not only with physical discomfort but also, perhaps even more so, with psychological distress. After all, this condition is associated with many myths and prejudices.
The most common of these is the belief that pediculosis is a disease that only affects those living an asocial lifestyle. When it comes to children, they typically feel guilty or ashamed for having lice. When faced with this situation, it's important for parents to explain the condition correctly and tactfully to their child. To do this, they need to thoroughly immerse themselves in the topic and learn as much as possible about pediculosis so they can be prepared for any questions their child may have.
“If parents have any questions about head lice, they can search for information in numerous open sources. It's also a good idea to talk to friends or acquaintances who have already dealt with this problem. It's essential to mention the problem to the homeroom teacher or preschool teacher—hiding this fact is completely wrong, both for your own child and for the children they come into contact with. As for talking to their child, parents should exercise wisdom and show them that head lice are completely harmless and even natural. Try using yourself or a close relative as an example, or share your own story of infestation and recovery from head lice—this will calm the child down a bit and prevent them from dwelling on the issue,” comments Olga Spiridonova, an employee of the Center for Curative Pedagogics and an expert in the Happy Childhood Without Lice program.
There is a solution
Until recently, treating head lice was fraught with difficulties. Perhaps the most common method of combating lice was the use of folk remedies: kerosene, cranberry juice, vinegar, hellebore water, and herbal infusions. Back then, people even resorted to shaving their heads! Today, all of these methods are outdated (particularly because some of them, especially if used incorrectly, can be dangerous to the health of both children and adults).
Currently, there are many different pediculicides available, each with a different effect on insects. One group consists of traditional products that target the nervous system of lice. Most of these contain the well-known insecticide permethrin as their active ingredient. However, in recent years, insects have increasingly developed resistance to these products, significantly reducing their effectiveness. Another group includes pediculicides based on mineral oil and dimethicone complexes. These products work physically: their ingredients impede the insects' respiration and disrupt their water balance. Lice do not develop resistance to these pediculicides, and they are not toxic to humans.
Of course, it's best to take steps to protect your child from head lice infestation in advance. For example, good personal hygiene is crucial for prevention. Explain to your child that they shouldn't share combs, towels, or hats, and that they should sleep only on their own pillow. It's also a good idea to check your child's head once a week with a fine-tooth comb, paying particular attention to the back and sides of the head. This will help keep the situation under control and, if lice are detected, promptly treat them.
Head lice aren't a serious problem, especially if you know the causes. It's just a minor annoyance that can happen (and probably has happened) to anyone at least once. The key is to detect these “uninvited guests” early and remember effective ways to get rid of them.