Recommendations for the prevention of head lice.

According to the World Health Organization, several billion people worldwide are at constant risk of contracting head lice.. Pediculosis is the most common parasitic disease, regardless of the level of economic development of the country..

Prevention of pediculosis

Pediculosis (pediculosis, lice) – contagious disease, caused by lice parasitizing the human body. Contrary to popular belief, what head lice – the fate of people without a fixed place of residence this disease with the same degree of probability can occur in everyone.

Unlike a variety of diseases, which humanity practically defeated, head lice went through the centuries. Even before our era, Herodotus wrote about, that the Egyptian priests shaved their heads so carefully to, to protect yourself from unpleasant insects – lice.

Pediculosis, usually, is a consequence of violation of hygiene standards, but research has shown, that the louse loves clean hair and is not afraid of water, perfectly swims and runs (but does not jump).

Unfortunately, head lice can be obtained almost anywhere, where close contact of one person with another is possible: in the shop, train or other public transport and even in the pool. Moreover, louse can for 2-3 days to wait for the new owner on the pillow.

A person can parasitize the head, clothes and pubic lice. Mixed head lice may be affected (eg, simultaneous presence of head and body lice). Lice feed on the host's blood, and eggs (nits) glued to hair. Body louse lays eggs in the folds of clothes, less often sticks them to hair on the human body. Body lice and head lice are carriers of typhus and some types of fevers.

The head louse lives and reproduces in the scalp, preferably on the temples, occiput and crown. Eats every 2-3 o'clock, does not tolerate hunger. Oviparous lice. Egg development (rot) happens during 5-9 days, larvae – 15-17 days. Lifespan of adults – 27-30 days. The female lays down daily 3-7 eggs, for the whole life – from 38 to 120 eggs.

Children are especially often infected with head lice.. Infection with head lice occurs as a result of direct contact "head to head" with a person, who has head lice.

The danger of developing head lice is associated with, that lice multiply very quickly. An increase in the number of parasites and an increase in the number of their bites can cause various pustular skin lesions., secondary bacterial infection, allergic reactions.

How not to get infected

• Follow the rules of personal hygiene (body wash at least 1 times in 7 days with a change of underwear and bed linen; daily brushing of the scalp; washing bedding; regular cleaning of living quarters).
• Don't let your child use someone else's hairbrushes, towels, hats, headphones, hairpins, hair bands – lice are transmitted through these items.
• Conduct mutual examinations of family members after a long absence.
• Perform periodic inspection of children's hair and clothing, attending child care.
• Inspect bedding carefully when traveling
• Be especially vigilant after vacation.: examine the baby's head

Modern tools allow you to easily cope with head lice, so

If head lice is found in a child, necessary:

– purchase a remedy for head lice treatment at the pharmacy;

– treat the scalp in accordance with the attached instructions;

– wash your hair using shampoo or baby soap;

– remove mechanically (with hands or a fine comb) dead lice and nits.

– put on clean linen and clothes for the child;

– wash bed linen and things, iron with a hot steam iron;

– examine family members and yourself;

– repeat the examination of the child and family members within a month every 10 days.

be healthy!