Pediculosis: causes, prevention, control measures in children and adults

The term "pediculosis" in medicine denotes a nosological form, namely the 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 infected with pediculosis accompanies all sorts of cataclysms: wars, natural or man-made disasters, socio-political crises, etc. That is, situations in which the number of people without housing, without work, and the criminal contingent increases. Such people create around themselves foci of infection, which leads to outbreaks of epidemics of pediculosis.

But unfortunately, this problem also concerns socially-advantaged families. Since lice live in a man's hair regardless of his position in society. How do they get there?

The article will consider in detail pediculosis: the causes, prevention, measures to combat it in adults and children.

Natural features of head lice

Lice are narrowly specific parasites, since the wool of each species of animals inhabits only a certain kind of lice. Man is not an exception. It is parasitized only by head, ward and pubic lice.

To better understand what pediculosis is (the causes of this problem), we will consider in more detail all the pathogens of this disease.

Head lice live and reproduce on the scalp, preferring whiskey, crown and head. There eggs are laid, called nits. They have a size of approximately 0.8 mm and are glued to the hair with a secretion secreted by the female during the laying.

Development of the individual lasts 9 days. The female lives for about a month, saving about 140 eggs during this time. It feeds 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. Thus, at 20 ° C, the louse ceases to lay eggs, and the larvae cease their development. But it is interesting that the head lice do not leave the fevering patients.

Where do louse-dwelling live

The causes of the appearance of pediculosis are another type - louse-lice. These are larger individuals living in folds of clothing and seams of bed linen. Nits are glued to the fibers of the tissue. By the way, eggs can also leave this kind of lice on the human body: on cannon hair. But mostly they go there only for feeding.

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.

Louse lice do not tolerate a high fever and leave feverish patients, passing to others. By the way, in search of a new object they can crawl with a speed of up to 30 mm per minute.

Features of pubic lice

Unlike clothes, pubic lice are practically immobile and spend all the time, plunging the proboscis into the skin of the host. Eggs they lay on hairs growing on the pubis, as well as on the eyebrows and eyelashes. During a lifetime, one pubic louse lays not more than 50 eggs.

Infection occurs mainly in sexual contact, but it is possible and when using shared towels, sponges and bed linen.

Why are lice dangerous to humans?

Considering pediculosis (causes, prevention, control measures), it is impossible not to dwell on what exactly these parasites are dangerous for humans.

In Russia at the moment, there are three types of diseases transmitted by lice (we are talking about typhus and recurrent typhus, as well as Volyn fever). And the main vector of these diseases, as already proved, is a louse. But the head may also be a source of danger.

The causes of pediculosis in children and adults

As you probably already guessed, the main cause of infection with lice is the transmission of them by direct contact from a sick person to a healthy person. This can be household items (hairbrush, towel, clothes) or sexual contact (if it is a question of pubic lice). Often, infection occurs in public transport or places where there is a congestion of people.

And than it is possible to explain the reasons of a pediculosis at children? By the way, girls with long hair are especially vulnerable, because it is easier to get caught in insects in such hair. Everyone knows that girls love to do each other's hair. But they also use common hairbrushes and hairpins. In addition, they willingly try on the things of their friends, passing along and pediculosis.

By the way, lice, contrary to the established opinion, do not jump from one head to another. They can only crawl, and do it very skillfully. Especially in the camps, where the 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 infection with lice

Describing pediculosis (causes, prevention, measures to combat infection), of course, we can not fail to mention the signs of the appearance of parasites in humans.

One of the first manifestations is severe itching (it is caused by saliva secretions of lice), which causes traces of scratching and bloody crusts on the skin.

• In addition, the infected becomes irritable, he may have insomnia.
• In the hair there are lice or nits, similar to dandruff. On closer inspection, it is clear that these are liquid-filled, whitish pouches glued to the hairs.
• On places of bites there is a so-called papular urticaria (a rash in the form of papules - small nodules on the surface of the skin).
• With a long course of pediculosis develops dermatitis, skin eczematism and pustular inflammation (pyoderma).
• And with the spread of pyoderma, you can also see an increase in lymph nodes.

Manifestations of prolonged head, clothing and pubic lice

With prolonged head lice, an infected person with a serous-purulent exudate glues together, which, in turn, causes the formation of a coarse and unpleasant odor. Such a patient is affected even by the smooth skin of the auricles, areas behind the ears and neck.

And the long-term clothing pediculosis, the causes, symptoms and treatment of which we are also considering today, provokes the appearance of the so-called "skin of vagabonds" among the infected. This sign is expressed by melanodermia (dark pigmentation) and coarsening of the skin.

With the pubic form of the disease, the places of implantation of the carpenter are "colored" with characteristic bluish spots.

Pediculosis: causes, treatment of the disease

It is very important to remember that pediculosis can not pass by itself. It requires compulsory treatment. Regardless of the reasons for the appearance of this disease, combating it involves a set of measures that help prevent the occurrence of a relapse of the disease. That is, they use both chemical agents (pediculocids) and mechanical ones - removal of lice and larvae by means of a comb.

Chemicals (ointments, shampoos and sprays) include anti-parasitic components. They are prescribed depending on the course and neglect of the disease, sometimes it is necessary to conduct therapy and in several stages.

Preparations for the treatment of pediculosis

Requirements for pediculocids are unified - it is the reliability and speed of the therapeutic effect, absence of odor, side effects and economic accessibility for the buyer.

In this fight against head and pubic lice, such Russian-made medicines as Pedikulen R Ultra and Medilis-bio, as well as Paranit Lotion and Paranit Spray (Ireland and Belgium), Para -Plus "(France) and" Full Marx "(Great Britain), as well as many other modern drugs.

During the treatment it is important to follow the instructions for use and especially pay attention to age limits. In the case of skin diseases or allergies, when the use of chemical agents is not possible, physicians recommend the mechanical removal of insects and nits with the help of combing and short haircuts.

Do not use kerosene, it will kill lice, but will cause irreparable harm to the hair! Do not allow the use of chemicals in strong combs and inflammations on the scalp, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Prevention of infection with pediculosis

Treatment of pediculosis necessarily combined with antiepidemic actions in the family and the patient's team. Disinfect the headwear, clothes, bedding and the whole room, depending on the epimobs.

And for the prevention of disease, it is very important to observe personal hygiene: hair care, regular change of bed and underwear, individual use of clothing, headdresses and combs. Preventive examinations also help reduce the risk of infection with lice.

As you probably saw, pediculosis (causes, prevention, control measures) is all very important for preserving the health of a large number of people. Therefore, be attentive to yourself and children, do not ignore signs of lice, observe precautions and you will be able to avoid parasites. Be healthy!