Pediculosis was familiar to man at all times. Even in the sang
artists of the Renaissance, people hid lice under lush,
powdered wigs. To this day, attempts to completely destroy these
parasites are not crowned with success. What is their role in nature? Can they
do they harm health? What doctor to ask for help? These and
many other questions we will analyze in our article.
Contents
- 1 Why do we need lice? Their importance in nature and for humans
- 2 Is there any benefit from lice?
- 3 What harm do they do?
- 4 Where do lice live?
- 5 Medical value of lice
- 6 The epidemiological significance of lice
- 7 Types of lice: appearance, incubation period
- 8 How can you get lice? Harm to human of the body
- 9 How to treat and what doctor to contact?
- 10 Conclusion
Why do we need lice? Their importance in nature and for humans
The content of the article:
- Why do we need lice? Their importance in nature and for humans
- Is there any benefit from lice?
- What harm do they do?
- Where do lice live?
- Medical value of lice
- The epidemiological significance of lice
- Types of lice: appearance, incubation period
- How can you get lice? Harm to human
of the body - How to treat and what doctor to contact?
- Conclusion
“Disease of the poor and dirty” – so pediculosis was stigmatized in society.
Many are even embarrassed to admit to a doctor in such a problem, fearing
censures and accusations of uncleanliness.
In fact, this is just a stereotype, the fault of which
historical coincidence. The brightest flashes
pediculosis occurred in several cases:
- during the war;
- after a disaster;
- due to overcrowding;
- due to overcrowded shelters.
All this summarizes not only poverty and dirt. Key factor
is a large crowd of people, some of whom have extremely
low immunity. As for the XXI century, then nothing here
changed – outbreaks of pediculosis are most common in children’s
gardens, schools and camps. At the same time the status of the institution does not have
no value.
Reference! According to medical
statistics, pediculosis is in second place after a cold
incidence rate among children from 3 to 12 years.
Is there any benefit from lice?
There is an assumption that in times of Australopithecus lice
entered the food chain. Remember the behavior of monkeys: they sit down
behind each other and choose from the wool of parasites.
It helps them not only to get an additional source.
protein, but also secure social ties. But also for man
reasonable, lice were not useless bugs, and here’s why:
- The secret of lice was used to lubricate the world’s first printed
machine tool. - Solomon used head lice lotion as a remedy for
migraine. - In Mesopotamia, there was a marriage tradition of louse invasion:
first the pediculosis infected the groom, then his parasites
sat in the bride’s hair. And if lice caught on, it was thought
that marriage is approved by heaven. - A genetic study of lice has helped scientists establish
approximate date of appearance of the first clothes. - Immunologists have found that people who have had pediculosis,
have less tendency to allergic reactions and stronger
immunity.
As you can see, even the smallest louse can contribute.
What harm do they do?
The main risk group for pediculosis is children in
age from 3 to 12 years. Places of infection: nursery, kindergarten, school,
summer camp.
A baby’s weak body is more susceptible to illness.
this kind of and often reacts to irritating factors.
Note! Pediculosis can
get sick even a newborn baby if one member is sick
families.
So how can he be dangerous for a baby? The answer is simple – itching!
Unbearable scabies delivers a lot of inconvenience:
- interferes with sleep;
- prevents concentration of attention;
- makes it irritable and restless;
- provokes the appearance of suppuration;
- may cause dizziness;
- may cause a rise in temperature;
- can cause psychological problems such as
such as: entomophobia (insect phobia), parasitophobia (phobia
parasites).
Adults are much less likely to experience lice, but this
does not mean that the disease is asymptomatic. Insects also
cause severe itching on the head and causes itching to bloody
abrasions. In particularly advanced cases, pediculosis may result.
coarsening of the scalp, tangling hair rods and
conjunctivitis.
Reference! The fact that lice infest more often
all those who do not comb – a myth. They prefer clean
straight and smooth hair. They are much easier to arrange
masonry.
Where do lice live?
Lice are parasites that can maintain their
livelihoods solely at the expense of man. Let’s take a look at
where insects can live depending on the species:
- Cootie. Loves things soaked with smell
human body. Dwells in the folds of stale clothes and
bed linen. - Pubic louse. Due to the specific structure
bodies can live only in places where grow hard, coarse hair:
eyelashes, mustache, armpits, pubis. - Head louse Lives only on the hairy
parts of the head.
Medical value of lice
Pediculosis has the following clinical picture:
- Unbearable itching accompanied by hairbrush up
blood and allergic rash. - The coarsening of the dermis in the places of greatest concentration
parasites. - Pigment spots due to interstitial
hemorrhage. - Pieces are a rare occurrence.
in especially neglected cases. Hair starts to go tangled up.
due to purulent discharge.
Important! If you are experiencing pediculosis –
Try not to comb the affected places. It may
provoke the development of secondary skin diseases such as
dermatitis and eczema.
The epidemiological significance of lice
The epidemiological significance of each of the three types of lice is different.
Consider them in more detail:
- Body lice – the main carrier of dangerous
pathogens (epidemic typhus, age-related typhus and
Volyn fever) - Head louse – the role of this species as
carrier of pathogens is not fully established. As a result
laboratory studies were able to find out that the infection of these
parasites rickettsii Provachek 30% lower than that of wardrobe
lice. - Pubic louse – participation in the transfer
pathogens unlikely. This is due to the specific
way of life. They are permanently attached to the body of the owner and practically
they do not leave him, but when they leave, they die quickly.
Types of lice: appearance, incubation period
To distinguish one type of louse from another can not only
location, but also on external signs:
- Cephalic: translucent body,
grayish-yellow, size from 2 to 4 mm. Incubation period lasts
from 8 to 10 days. Reach puberty and readiness for
reproduction at the age of 14 days. Longevity on the body
carrier – 1.5 months. Without a person there is no longer than two
days. - Luggage: body dirty white, size from 3 to 5
mm The incubation period is from 7 to 10 days. Lifespan
on the body of the carrier – 1-1.5 months. - Pubic – oblate body, dark brown
colors, size up to 1.5 mm. The incubation period is from 7 to 10 days.
They live on the human body for no longer than 2 months. Not able to live on
parts of the body devoid of vegetation.
Reference! Shaving the armpits and the intimate area
– This is a good prevention of infection with pubic lice.
How can you get lice? Harm to human
of the body
The main route of infection with pediculosis is direct contact with
sick person but there is also the possibility of contactless
infection:
- through a comb or any other item for hair styling;
- through a hat or a bezel;
- through the operation of unwashed bed linen in
hotels, sanatoriums, trains, etc. - while swimming in a pond or pool, if before you swim there
a person with pediculosis; - through the common subjects in the school preschool
institution, school, children’s camp.
Reference! There is an opinion that short
a shorn person cannot get sick with pediculosis. It is erroneous
assumptions: for the parasite enough hair in 1.5 – 3 mm.
How to treat and what doctor to contact?
You can determine the existence of a problem by yourself.
characteristic symptoms, but the doctor will help you
dermatologist. It will determine the type of parasite and the degree
lesions by taking history and examination.
In most cases, lice are visible to the naked eye (especially
when they had time to drink blood), in other cases the specialist
uses a magnifying glass and Wood’s lamp. In its light, live nits glow
blue light, and empty eggs have a grayish tint. In extremely
In rare cases, a digital diagnosis is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
videoscopy.
For the treatment of used insecticidal preparations in the form of ointments,
sprays, emulsions and shampoos. Everything you need to destroy
Pest substances are contained in such preparations as:
- Veda (shampoo);
- Medfox;
- Permethrin:
- Lindane;
- Pair Plus;
- Nittifor;
- Full Marks;
- Paranit (lotion)
Important! Preparations for the fight against parasites
contain toxic substances. Be careful not to break the rules.
use, and after treating the affected area, wash thoroughly.
hands with soap.
The successful outcome of treatment depends on half
preventive measures, namely:
- Complete replacement of the bedding set with further
by boiling. - Daily wash with inspection of problem areas and combing
parasites. - Shaving hard body hair.
- Weekly wet cleaning.
Conclusion
Pediculosis treatment lasts from several hours to several
days, depending on the degree of neglect. That is why so
It is important to consult a dermatologist in time. Do not be afraid and not
feel free with your problem – everyone can face pediculosis
man, regardless of social status.