BLOG

Head Lice

Did someone say… HEAD LICE?

Lice are tiny parasitic insects that can take up residence in a number of different places on our body. They are not a serious medical problem, but they can be annoying and can easily spread to and infect others.

Head lice are usually spread among children crowded together in urban daycare centers and primary schools. Lice cannot jump or fly from person to person. They travel by direct head to head contact when children play with their heads close together or indirectly through hats, coat hooks, scarves, bike helmets, headphones, hairbrushes, toys or bedding. Poor hygiene does not play a role in head lice.

The primary symptoms include

• evidence of lice on the scalp, body, clothing, or other body hair
• intense itching
• nits on hair shafts
• small, red lesion at each new feeding site.

A person may not experience any initial symptoms – the itching may not start until a week or two after the initial infestation. Some people never feel itchy at all. Scratching is the cause of most complications due to lice, as it can cause abrasions that may lead to secondary infections. Some people with lice develop hives, scalp scabs, and enlarged neck nodes.

If you have any questions on head lice, speak to your Pharmasave pharmacist.