Contents
-
news
-
Health
Winter is prime time for head lice: This is how parents can deal with them
While lice have existed since ancient times, these dangerous insects are spread mostly by physical contact. Children are more likely to get lice than adults. According to experts, winter is the prime time for lice to thrive. Head lice drink blood from the scalp and eating them causes itching in the person. Read on to learn how to treat and prevent these parasitic worms that live on the human body and are highly contagious.
Head lice are tiny, sesame seed-sized parasites that prefer clean scalps and are most prevalent among schoolchildren.
According to experts, head lice thrive and grow the most during winters and can be a major headache for parents. However, simple precautions can prevent the spread of these dangerous parasites.
According to various studies, every year, 20.42 percent of girls and 13 percent of school-going boys aged 3 to 11 years across India experience head lice infestation. Although it is popularly believed that these insects can jump and fly, experts say they simply crawl and move from one head to another.
Although many children with dirty or unclean hair are more likely to attract lice, doctors say the reverse is true. These tiny, sesame seed-sized parasites prefer clean scalps and are most commonly spread among school-going children through shared items such as brushes or dresses, hats and combs, which offer major modes of transfer for the parasites. .
Are head lice harmful?,
Doctors say that even though they are not harmful, head lice can cause significant discomfort and should be treated as soon as possible to reduce symptoms and prevent further spread.
They can also cause itchy skin and rashes At the site of the bite.
Signs and symptoms
According to experts, the primary and main symptom of lice infestation is the presence of live lice on the head of the child. Other signs may include:
- constant itching
- scratch head
- skin irritation
- a creeping sensation
- swollen lymph nodes
- sleep problems
These symptoms can point to a variety of problems, so it is important to confirm the presence of lice before starting treatment. The best place to see live lice is on the scalp behind the ears. If the lice do not appear to be alive, the person may not have an active infestation.
How to do Prevent and treat head lice,
Although there are many medications and effective treatments to get rid of lice, you can always consult a doctor to choose the best method of treatment. In addition to standard treatments, which include over-the-counter liquids, shampoos, and lotions called pediculicides, you can also try some home methods to get rid of lice.
Although lice are not harmful, they are highly contagious and can be uncomfortable. If you have symptoms of lice or see these symptoms in a child, you should seek immediate treatment. Treatment usually fails if a person does not remove all the lice within a few inches of the scalp, as this can lead to re-infestation.
If a person has used the medication correctly and lice persist, they should ask the doctor about a prescription strength treatment. Do not use a second OTC medication if the first medication has failed.
To prevent lice, you must:
- Encourage your children to avoid sharing things.
- Teach your children to hang their coats and hats on a separate hook or in another separate place when they go to school.
- Regularly clean things that have direct contact with your baby’s head that they share with other children.
- Check your child for nits and head lice at least once a week.
Get the latest news live on Times Now with breaking news and top headlines from around the world.
