|
September
28, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER URGES AWARENESS OF HEAD LICE The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center urges everyone, especially parents, to become educated about head lice. As kids return to school, they enter an environment where head lice are known to spread from child to child and it is prudent for parents to recognize the potential problem. “There are many misconceptions about head lice,” said Jeffrey Boscamp, M.D. chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the medical center and physician-in-chief of The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. “If parents know the basic facts, they can effectively deal with the situation. Head lice can be difficult, but parents armed with the proper knowledge can eradicate the problem and avoid undue worry.” Head lice are tiny parasites, about the size of a sesame seed, which feed on human blood. They attach themselves to human hair and can live up to 30 days when feeding on a host. Head lice are spread through close contact with an infested person, typically in crowded group settings. Though these parasites are not known to carry diseases or create more serious or life-threatening conditions, they can be difficult to get rid of. The females can lay up to 100 eggs, or nits, also attached to the hair. The eggs hatch in 7 to10 days. The most prominent symptom is intense itching of the scalp or the visible presence of eggs (nits) or the lice. The nits are generally easier to detect. They appear similar to dandruff, but are stuck firmly to the hair shaft, and tend to be most visible at the back of the head near the neck or around the ears. The lice, more difficult to see, will be found on the scalp by parting the hair deeply in small sections and closely examining small areas. Sometimes they are visible on the clothing as well. Examination is sufficient to detect their presence and diagnose the condition. Treatment of head lice includes manual removal of lice and nits (special combs are designed for the purpose) and thorough washing of the hair and scalp with lotions or shampoos, available by prescription and over the counter. Clothing, linen and hygiene products should also be washed in hot, soapy water to prevent re-infestation. Schools are known to be environments where head lice are typically spread, due to the number of children grouped closely together for long periods of time. Teachers and administrators are generally well informed about the condition. When cases of head lice are detected in students, they are sent home and allowed to return only when the condition has been eradicated. |
|
|
 
     |
