Pediculosis And Phthiriasis

Pediculosis and Phthiriasis: The Infestation of Lice

About

Pediculosis is the infestation caused by lice that can be found in any warm-blooded animals including humans. Pediculosis may refer to an infestation of any body part, but it mostly refers to the infestation of human head by head louse.

Lice infestation contributes 1-2% of the human population.[1]
Pediculosis:
- Is treatable by a medical professional
- May or may not require a medical diagnosis
- May not require lab tests or imaging
- Resolves within days to months
- Is the most common among children aged between 3 and 10 years

The other form of Pediculosis is Phthiriasis or Phthiriasis Pubis, which is the infestation of pubic area due to pubic lice. Pubic lice are adapted to a sedentary lifestyle on eyelashes too that often do not leave the infested body. This kind of lice is usually transmitted during sexual contact and are also associated with other STDs. Interestingly, people from the African desert rarely suffer infestation because of the difference in hair texture.

Symptoms

The major symptom is itching that occurs from hypersensitivity to louse saliva. Sometimes lice can also be found crawling over the skin or at times leaving a grey-blue or slate coloration macule on the feeding site.

Treatment for Pediculosis
Self-care: For Pediculosis, avoid direct head contacts, sleepovers on beddings that are not washed properly, and sharing of combs and scarves.
Medication: Lice combs, lice shampoos, suffocating products, and essential oils can be good cure for Pediculosis. However, there is no such product to ensure 100% destruction of the eggs of lice after a single treatment.

Treatment for Phthiriasis
Self-care: Abstinence from sex with partner affected by Phthiriasis is the best possible method to avoid it. Also, mutual monogamy or limiting the number of sexual partners can help reduce the risk.

Medication: Doctors may recommend Permethrin creams, Pyrethrins with Piperonyl butoxide that are applied to the affected area for curing Phthiriasis.

Specialists: For other severe kinds, consult a physician at the earliest. We at mfine can help you with various fields of health issues. You can get in touch with us onboard for a holistic treatment program.