Lice

What are lice?

Lice are minuscule, parasitic insects that subsist on the blood of humans and other animals. While lice affecting animals cannot be transmitted to humans, those impacting humans easily spread from one person to another, with young children being the most susceptible. An intense and itchy sensation on the head often signals a lice infestation. Head lice, the most prevalent type, can only crawl and do not possess the ability to jump or fly, making head-to-head contact the primary mode of transmission. Sharing items like coats, hairbrushes, combs, hats, pillows, scarves, and towels can also contribute to lice spread.

There are three types of lice that can affect humans: head lice (causing scalp itching), body lice (affecting the body), and pubic lice or "crabs" (impacting the groin area). All three types spread through human-to-human contact or contact with infested items like towels or combs.

Contrary to a common myth, lice can affect anyone, irrespective of cleanliness, income, age, or gender. While regular hygiene practices can lower the risk of lice, they are not foolproof defenses.

Symptoms of lice

The most prominent symptom of lice is intense itching, sometimes severe enough to disrupt sleep. Additional symptoms include:

  • A crawling sensation

  • Identification of bugs (light-brown, resembling sesame seeds)

  • Identification of eggs (yellow, brown, or tan, pinhead-sized)

  • Swollen lymph glands (especially in the neck)

Surprisingly, it is possible to have lice without experiencing noticeable itching or irritation immediately. Symptoms may take a few weeks to manifest, prompting schools to conduct periodic lice checks and treat entire families even if only one person exhibits symptoms.

How are lice treated?

Impetigo is typically addressed with a topical antibiotic ointment or cream directly applied to the sores. Soaking the affected area in warm water or using wet compresses may precede the application to help remove scabs and facilitate antibiotic penetration.

For extensive sores, oral antibiotic medications may be prescribed. Completing the full antibiotic course, even if the lesions heal before completion, is crucial to preventing infection recurrence and reducing the likelihood of antibiotic resistance.

With proper treatment, impetigo generally heals within 7 to 10 days. If there is an underlying condition or skin disease, complete healing may take longer.

How do providers diagnose lice?

Most lice treatments are topical, applied directly to the skin and hair, and typically involve two applications spaced about a week apart to ensure the elimination of any lice that hatch after the initial treatment. In rare cases of lice resistance to standard treatments, prescription-strength medications may be necessary, and your healthcare provider can guide you in making the right decision.