The first signs of lice (head lice) on the head: How are transmitted and reproduced

22.10.2015

Almost always, the fact of finding lice on your head or on a child is a huge and unpleasant surprise. Many questions immediately arise, ranging from "Why does it itch where it did not itch before?" and ending with "Where could they come from?" This disease is doubly unpleasant in that it not only causes severe itching, but can also lead to more serious consequences.

What is a head louse
Lice life cycle
Signs of head lice
How are they transmitted

Let's start with the causes of head lice. This is important in our case.

The cause of head lice or lice is a small insect that lives not only on the skin of a person, but also on his clothes. The only source of food for lice is blood, as a result of bites, itching appears, the skin begins to itch. The laid eggs (nits) are attached to the hair by parasites, which is why it can be quite difficult to remove them during treatment. The maximum lifespan of adult lice is 1.5 months, during which the female is able to lay up to 140 eggs.

Why does head lice occur, in which the head itches? Basically, this disease affects the population that is in unfavorable hygienic conditions or with a long stay in a large team. Recently, this ailment has been increasingly common among children who visit public places, educational and medical institutions (for example, a kindergarten, summer camp, sanatorium, school, and others). Subject to the rules of care and personal hygiene, head lice can occur as a result of direct contact with an already infected person. Interesting fact: a nursing baby is easily infected by a nursing mother who has lice near the nipple.

How can you get infected, the symptoms of head lice, and in what conditions can lice breed?

The parasitic disease caused by lice is called head lice. Such insects can move quickly, but they cannot jump and fly. They live only on human hair and are not dangerous for pets and birds. A louse can go without food for up to 48 hours, patiently waiting for a new owner. This means that all places and surfaces in one way or another in contact with the head are at risk.

Potentially dangerous:

trains, buses, minibuses;
children's camps, kindergartens, schools;
swimming pools and fitness clubs;
hotels, rented apartments;
hospitals.

The parasite survives for some time in the water, so you can get infected with head lice in water bodies. The life cycle of one insect is about a month. During this time, it lays about 100 nits (as the eggs of lice are called). The louse eats 3-4 times a day, which means that a dozen insects in a short time make a large number of punctures on the scalp, damaging it, causing irritation and an allergic reaction.

Hence the main symptoms of head lice:

Persistent itching of the skin, worse after scratching. Taking antihistamines has a short-term effect.
Red spots (papules) on the scalp, sometimes with a bluish tinge.
The presence of nits on the hair - small white eggs located at a distance of 10 mm from the skin in the occipital, temporal parts of the head.Unlike dandruff, they are oval and emit a slight click when pressed.
Greasy hair.
Increased irritability, insomnia.

Of all the symptoms, severe itching is the most uncomfortable. Often he forces the patient to seek help from a medical institution.

Pediculosis is diagnosed simply - by visual inspection using a magnifying device. In this case, insects and nits are clearly visible.

It is not possible to get sick from using bad shampoo, stress, or as a complication from the flu.

The only way infectious parasites are transmitted is by getting lice on the scalp of a healthy person. A parasitic insect can be transmitted from person to person if hygiene is not followed. For example, people using one comb, wearing someone else's clothes. Parasites are mainly attracted by the smell of human sweat.

... Although in a homeless person, they can be found in clothes. In some cases, during sexual transmission, pubic lice can also be found.

The main symptoms that lice have appeared:

Nits, adults are visible on hair and clothes;
Parasite bites cause unpleasant itching in the hair. It is caused by the saliva of the lice;
Skin rashes, dermatitis.

Most often, they can be found in cleanly washed hair. Their appearance is promoted by an increased temperature, more than 300C, swimming in public places without a cap.

How to understand that you have exactly "this" thing

Why is it difficult to recognize the damage to the body by parasites in time? Treatment of the disease is complicated by the fact that a long period of time (up to several weeks) can pass from the moment of infection until the moment the first symptoms appear. The most common symptom is itching, which may persist for a long time. Moreover, not only the scalp itches, but also the area around the auricles, temples, and the back of the head.

The second sign is a rash that occurs a few days after the insect bite. The head form is characterized by the formation of red spots over the entire area of the scalp. Head lice (the second type of the disease) can often lead to widespread pigmentation, as a result of which the skin acquires a bluish tint. Pubic lice causes bluish spots on the thighs, groin, and lower abdomen. Why is the skin colored this way? The blue color is a consequence of the breakdown of hemoglobin after bites, which stains the skin.

The long course of the disease, when the head constantly itches, leads to severe scratching of certain areas of the skin that are affected by lice. In the future, purulent crusts form in these places, which cause discomfort even after the removal of insects.

By the way, here are the main complications of untimely removal of lice:

secondary bacterial infection;
blepharitis, conjunctivitis (eye damage);
typhus and other infectious diseases;
lymphadenitis or damage to the lymphatic system;
sepsis and others.

If you do not get rid of the blood-sucking lice in time, not only can the scalp itch with further crust formation, but the parotid lymph nodes can often swell. There is also a high risk of infection through open wounds that appear after peeling off the crusts when the skin itches a lot. Why should you immediately seek medical help from an experienced specialist if you suspect a disease? He will prescribe effective treatment depending on the severity of the disease, the area of the lesion, the patient's age and other factors.

What diseases do lice carry?

Tularemia

It is believed that the carriers of this disease (in terms of the severity of the course comparable to the plague) are animals: rodents, birds, livestock. But lice, when bitten, can spread the infection from person to person.

Tularemia is characterized by the following manifestations:

short incubation period - from 3 to 7 days;
acute onset of the disease, accompanied by a sharp rise in temperature;
chills, fever, hallucinations;
general weakness, pain in muscles and joints;
heavy sweating;
lack of appetite, sleep disturbance, headaches.

Typhus

This infection is caused by rickettsia, a bacteria that enters the human body along with lice feces. It affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

The following symptoms develop:

10-14 days after infection, chills, muscle weakness, fever, joint aches appear;
a few days later, a pink rash appears on the skin (mainly on the abdomen and thighs);
the temperature is kept at 39-40 ° C;
the patient is unconscious most of the time, speech and thoughts are confused, coordination is impaired;
after 10-14 days, acute symptoms disappear as abruptly as they began.

Typhus - the consequences of lice bites.
Even with the use of modern medicines, typhus is not always curable.

Relapsing fever

It differs from the previous type in that the entire period of the disease is divided into several stages: exacerbations and improvement phases alternate with each other. An abrupt onset with chills, fever, confusion and fever leads to damage to the nervous system. A profuse rash appears, the liver enlarges, and jaundice sometimes develops. The acute period lasts up to 5-6 days, then the symptoms subside and the patient feels better for some time.

After that, the exacerbation phase begins again, during which heart disease and pneumonia can develop. Final recovery occurs after 2-3 such attacks.

Quintan

Lice can also carry a non-fatal, but extremely serious disease - Volyn fever. It enters the body through the skin, along with insect excrement brought into fresh wounds from bites. Symptoms are similar to typhoid fever: the patient has fever, impaired perception, excruciating pain in the muscles.

This is what the Volyn fever looks like.

Lice are not carriers of AIDS and hepatitis. These viruses are transmitted from person to person by direct contact and do not survive in the external environment. Once in the insect's food system, they die. From the external organs of nutrition, they are washed off with saliva. This means that even with the fastest possible change of the host after the bite, the parasite will not be able to spread the virus to it. There are no such cases in modern medical practice.

In addition to the parasite that lives on the human head, other types of lice are also common. They can cause specific diseases.

In someone else's bed or in the pool, as well as during sexual intercourse, you can become infected with pubic lice. The favorite parasitic sites of this species of lice are the groin and armpits.

Unlike head lice, with this disease, itching is not so pronounced. Bite marks are reddish, with a bluish tint. Due to the coverage of a large surface of the skin, dermatitis develops more often, seals, peeling, and purulent foci appear.

This parasite is considered the most dangerous. Representatives of the species are carriers of typhus, typhoid fever and Volyn fever. They live in all climatic zones, on all continents. They hide in the folds of clothes and bedding. They can move from person to person in crowded places. Pediculosis caused by this type of lice is accompanied by severe itching of the whole body, coarsening of the skin, the appearance of deep abrasions and pigmentation.

Are you sure you got rid of the lice?

How long is the period of destruction of parasites, and why is it so difficult to get rid of them? Treatment of head lice consists in the destruction of not only adult lice, but also existing nits, which after a certain time pass into the stage of adults. To get rid of lice, modern drugs are used, which are diluted in the right concentration and applied to the surface of the scalp, where it itches most. After this treatment, they are washed off with shampoo.

It is advisable for a faster and more effective treatment to completely cut off the hair, which greatly facilitates the processing of the skin. If it is impossible to shave off your hair, it is recommended to regularly comb your hair with a special comb. Why is a thorough combing required? This is necessary to remove dead nits. Also, you should not give up hatching halfway through the course, since it is important to get rid of adult lice, but also of laid eggs.

Additionally, at all stages of treatment, it is necessary to monitor hygiene, use individual care products (towel, bed linen, comb), since the disease quickly passes to healthy family members. It is also advisable to temporarily abandon clothing that can cause re-infection (with hoods, collars). How long will it take? Considering that the larva leaves the egg for 14 days, it is enough not to use things after thorough processing for 2 weeks. An adult insect is not able to live for a long time without a power source, and this is about a week.

How long does it take for a child to have lice?

The treatment process can be either one-time or last for a couple of months. It all depends on the degree of population of the parasites. If a child brought lice from a childcare facility, all children need treatment, otherwise re-infection will occur.

Girls with long hair will have to endure for some time while fighting the parasite. Not a single drug can cope with thick hair for one. Reprocessing required. Boys can be trimmed bald.

What else can cause lice in children:

Sleep problems, distraction, memory impairment.
Anxiety, tearfulness, change in behavior and character.
Excruciating itching, dizziness.
Suppuration of wounds, itching on the head.
Development of phobias.

Don't forget about preventive measures

After treatment and as a preventive measure, it is necessary to follow simple measures that will allow you not to experience unpleasant sensations on yourself in the future. In addition, even after the removal of insects, itching and burning may persist for a long time. How long the discomfort can last depends on the shape, stage and area of the lesion.

It is worth giving up the following actions:

use other people's combs, towels, headphones;
change clothes and other accessories;
visit the pool without a rubber cap;
be sure to wash bed and underwear in hot water, then iron it thoroughly, paying special attention to the seams;
boys should be trimmed regularly;
after getting rid of lice, periodically use deterrents (for example, lavender oil, tea tree oil, hellebore water);
Rinse your hair weekly with a special shampoo.

The patient may, at a subconscious level, continue to scratch the skin. Why is this happening? The answer is simple - habit. It may be worth paying attention to the state of the nervous system, which loosen up when affected by parasites.

If the head still itches after lice, then you can try simple folk methods.

To soothe the skin, it is recommended:

rinse your hair regularly with a weak solution of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice;
systematically apply a herculean mask (1/2 cup of flakes in a glass of boiling water);
rub burdock oil into the scalp every week;
add 4-5 drops of tea tree oil to the rinse water.

Prophylaxis

To avoid the development of pathologies that lead to baldness, you need:

Normalize living conditions, avoid stress.
Refuse to drink alcohol, do not use medications without a doctor's prescription.
Do not use cosmetics of unknown brands (especially creams).
Avoid the use of aggressive hair dye, choose the correct concentration of the oxidizing agent, or use the services of a professional.
Normalize the regularity of sexual activity, avoid long intervals and the development of hormonal instability.
Do not abuse tampons during your period. It is advisable to alternate their introduction with the use of pads.
Use combs with non-traumatic bristles.
Introduce fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs into the diet.
Avoid using feather pillows. Such an environment is favorable for the vital activity of ticks that cause demodicosis.
Exclude from food products containing stabilizers, dyes, thickeners and other components of artificial origin. They negatively affect the liver, inflame and destroy its cells, which is accompanied by hair loss.
Always use condoms when having sex with a new sexual partner. This will allow avoiding inflammatory diseases of the urogenital tract, against the background of which fragility of hair shafts and follicle rejection occur.
Always wear a hat when the air temperature is low.
Give up the habit of brushing your scalp aimlessly.
Avoid being in a draft, getting wet in the cold rain.

With a hereditary predisposition to various diseases, you need to regularly visit a doctor of the appropriate profile, undergo an examination.

What else could it be?

There are many reasons why itching and burning of the head can occur. An accurate diagnosis is determined only by an experienced doctor after a comprehensive examination and study of analyzes and accompanying symptoms. Very often, spots, sores, hair loss, etc. appear additionally.

In the absence of lice and other parasites, the head itches due to the following violations:

seborrhea (the disease is associated with increased sebum secretion and is accompanied by peeling and itching of the scalp) - a course of antifungal drugs and a complex of vitamins A, B2, E is required;
frequent stress - taking antidepressants and sedatives;
hormonal disorders - restoring the usual balance of hormones in the body;
allergic reaction to hair care products (shampoo, conditioner, balm, varnish, gel, mousse, paint, etc.) or allergy to laundry detergents (irritation may occur with constant contact with bed linen) - disclaimer funds and taking antihistamines;
excessive dryness of the skin (vitamin deficiency, lack of trace elements and fatty acids) - increased intake of vitamin A, B, C;
fungal skin lesions - a fairly long-term treatment with antifungal drugs and agents to increase immunity is required.

Forecast

Directly depends on the root cause of hair loss:

If alopecia is associated with stress, and treatment is completed in a timely manner, total baldness does not occur, the prognosis is favorable.
Muscle spasms are quickly relieved by physical therapy procedures, increasing the prospect of a quick recovery without complications.
Demodectic mange often leads to an unfavorable outcome for the condition of the skin, even though the pathology can be eliminated directly.
After ringworm, the follicles are not always amenable to restoration, hair density suffers.
When alopecia is caused by vitamin deficiency, you should prepare for a long process of replenishing the missing amount of nutrients.But after normalizing the balance of vitamins and minerals in the body, the prognosis for the condition of the hair is favorable.
After head lice, the follicles can be restored quickly enough.

The prognosis depends on the severity of hair loss at the time of the start of therapeutic action.

Home methods of struggle

If no serious treatment is required, folk remedies are effective to relieve itchy scalp. They quickly relieve discomfort and restore the work of skin cells.

1. Tea tree oil. It is not only a natural remedy for fighting infections and fungal diseases, but also effectively relieves dryness. You can add a few drops to the shampoo and wash your hair daily with the mixture. Also, with the addition of oil, it is recommended to make masks: 1 tbsp. vegetable oil, 3-4 drops of tea tree oil, rub into the scalp and leave for an hour.

2. Lemon juice. In case of itching of the head, it is recommended to apply pure juice to the skin 5-10 minutes before washing or dilute in water in equal amounts. Lemon is also used for the preparation of medicinal masks (for example, mixed with natural yogurt or kefir).

3. Baking soda. If you have dandruff, flaky and itchy scalp, regular baking soda will help. It is necessary to mix 1-2 tsp. soda, add a small amount of water (to a pasty consistency), apply the resulting mass for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

4. Apple cider vinegar. This remedy perfectly fights head itching, restoring the Ph-level. Additionally, vinegar relieves inflammation, eliminates irritation and dryness of the skin. On clean and dry hair, apply a solution of water and vinegar (in a 1: 1 ratio) using cotton pads or a spray bottle.

What to do if the lice were taken out, and the head itches. How long can the head itch after head lice. The main causes of itchy head after lice.

Even today, pediculosis is often diagnosed. Its cause is the presence of lice - the smallest insect that lives on the human head. This parasite feeds on blood, and as a result of bites, the skin begins to itch strongly. However, there are times when the head itches even after removing the lice. This situation develops for various reasons, it can be an allergic reaction to the drug used, and burns from its improper use.

The most common causes of itching

There are several common causes of itchy skin. The nature of the development of the resulting discomfort is sometimes impossible to determine independently, since itching can appear 3 months after the removal of insects. You may also need a specialist in case of a secondary infection to eliminate the effects of an insect bite.

Allergic reaction to the bite

First of all, itching on the head can be caused by an allergic reaction to the presence of parasites. The skin begins to itch not from an insect bite, but from the body's reaction to this bite. This is due to the fact that when the skin is punctured, saliva enters the body, which does not allow blood to coagulate. The area of the bite is constantly irritated, as a result of which itching develops, as a reaction to insect saliva. Moreover, this manifestation occurs not only when the louse is in the hair, but even some time after their removal. There are times when an allergy makes itself felt only 3 months after an insect bite. Also, hypersensitivity is manifested by the presence of a rash on the head and neck.

Parasites in the human nose: types, signs and treatment

Today, many people have heard that there is more than one type of parasitic microorganism.And it is not always possible to protect yourself from them if you systematically wash your hands, adhere to the rules of hygiene, and carry out preventive procedures in animals. No definite guarantee can be given that infection will not occur.

At the same time, worms are able to move throughout the body. Sometimes you can find parasites in a person's nose. This is a serious problem that needs timely treatment.

Is there a connection between diseases of the nasopharynx and the presence of worms?

A large number of people are familiar with the problem of persistent nasal congestion, often get sick, and face various ENT diseases. As a result, a person takes many medications that help get rid of the problem, but also disrupt the bowel function. Many patients noticed that after a noticeable improvement in health, the disease reappears, acquiring a chronic nature.

Why is this happening? When a patient has tried a variety of treatment methods, doctors send him to an infectious disease specialist. This doctor will check the person for worms. For this, various examinations are carried out. One analysis will not always be enough.

There are times when the patient himself discovers the presence of worms in his nose. After all, they can be excreted with phlegm if a person blows his nose strongly. But it is not always possible to notice parasites, since they resemble filamentous mucus. But microorganisms can grow large enough to be easier to spot. There are also situations when this problem is found in the ENT during a general examination. But the doctor will be able to notice them if they have closed the nasal canals and carry out some kind of movement.

First aid for dry skin with regents

Naturally, if the skin is burnt or overdried, in order to restore it faster and more efficiently, it is necessary to consult a doctor. First of all, unless, of course, serious consequences are observed, it is necessary to start moisturizing measures. One of the simpler ones is drinking plenty of fluids. An enhanced drinking regimen will not only help to avoid dehydration, which developed after the parasites were poisoned, the symptom of which is itching, burning, but also to remove toxins from the body. Usually, drinking pure water allows you to feel a significant improvement in your well-being.

Do not neglect traditional medicine, which helps if the head itches. A decoction of herbs will help to pass the itching, burning, it moisturizes the skin well, strengthens the bulbs. For these purposes, a decoction of onion peels is often used. An excellent sedative effect is provided by a decoction of chamomile, nettle, calendula. You can use them to pour over your head after washing, or you can prepare a compress. To do this, pour 2 packets of herbs into 1 glass of cold water, bring to a boil over low heat. After cooling, apply to the scalp with gauze and place evenly on the head. Keep for at least 1 hour, after which, if desired, you can rinse with warm water.

Treatment of allergic reactions

If a patient develops an allergic reaction from lice that does not go away for a long time, then it is necessary to contact a specialist who, against the background of a clinical picture, will prescribe an effective treatment. Usually, at first, antihistamines are prescribed to help alleviate general well-being, relieve swelling, itching, and redness. Such drugs include Suprastin, Tavegil, Zodak, Zirtek. If the patient is not in an acute condition, then treatment takes place at home, while taking pills and applying ointments, sprays based on Panthenol. Fenistil gel relieves well, in more severe cases, hormonal ointments are recommended, which quickly relieve itching, inflammation, and swelling. As a rule, these are Advantan, Hydrocortisone.

Allergic reactions in children should be taken especially seriously, since they often have swelling of the larynx against this background, the child may begin to choke. Based on this quality, it is better for children to give an antiallergic agent in liquid form, since they can choke with swelling.

Possible complications

Without treatment, head lice leads to a number of complications.

Patients may develop:

secondary bacterial infection against the background of extensive skin lesions;
inflammation of the eyelids and eyes;
swollen lymph nodes.

It is believed that head lice does not lead to hair loss. However, irritation and traumatic harmful effects of nits on the scalp weakens the hair follicles. Blood circulation is impaired, hair growth slows down, and it becomes brittle and dull.

Lice allergy

People prone to allergic reactions experience severe head lice discomfort. The increasing itching, the spread of the rash throughout the body, the rise in temperature in this case should be the reason for going to the doctor and taking antihistamines.

Lice allergy is a very serious problem.

Children are most often allergic to lice. They may develop an acute reaction with difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, chills. Therefore, it is so important to quickly and correctly rid the child of lice.

In some cases, head lice leads to an increase in temperature. When this symptom appears (especially if it is accompanied by a febrile condition, profuse rash on the body, aching muscles or joints), you should immediately see a doctor, since typhoid infection is possible.

If you do not pay attention to hair treatment for a long time, do not identify the problem that caused hair loss, there will be:

Dandruff. An aesthetic problem that causes psychological discomfort and persists until the underlying disease is eliminated.
Alopecia areata or alopecia areata. The only possible solution to this problem is hair follicle transplantation. Surgical intervention does not guarantee the engraftment of the transplanted structures, but in most cases it provides a positive result.
Secondary bacterial infection, furunculosis. It occurs due to scratching of the scalp and pathogenic microflora entering the wounds. Symptoms of inflammation are fever, skin redness, swelling, soreness when trying to examine, pulsation at the site of suppuration.

In the most aggravated case, the risk of pathogenic microflora entering the systemic circulation increases (during scratching of itchy tissues). In this case, the drugs are administered to the patient by injection or intravenous drip. Antifungal or antibacterial drugs are used.

Dry skin treatment

An improperly selected treatment solution for lice can lead to excessive dryness, which causes loss of moisture, the appearance of dandruff. In this case, the head begins to quickly grow fat, the person begins to wash his head more often, thereby only aggravating the situation. There is a kind of vicious circle. To eliminate it, it is necessary to organize proper nutrition, vitamins and minerals should be taken. It is necessary to correctly approach the selection of shampoos, it is best to use medicinal products with a moisturizing effect. The procedure should be completed with a rinse prepared with medicinal herbs. This method can be used for a long time. Also, at first, it is not recommended to use hair dryers, as this leads to greater overdrying of the skin.

Diagnostics

To establish which factor caused the itching of the epithelium of the head and hair loss, you need to go through:

Blood test for the determination of hormones, glucose, vitamins and minerals, clinical and biochemical research
Dermatoscopy
Spectral analysis of hair
Ultrasound of a potentially damaged organ

Other types of diagnostics are prescribed taking into account the alleged pathology that has arisen in the patient's body, or to clarify the established clinical picture. These research methods include EGD, MRI, CT, smear to determine the vaginal microflora, culture of urine or wound contents, biopsy.

Lice symptoms

The skin begins to itch and spots appear on the body. Some people think they have allergies and are taking antihistamines. But the discomfort on the skin continues to bother me. The rash and discomfort can be caused by a tiny parasite - a head louse, a pubic louse, or a body louse.

The appearance of blue spots in the groin or on the body.
Itching of the occipital and temporal regions of the scalp, which is worse at night and after water treatments.
The appearance of white grains at the base of the hair.
The presence of small insects on the head, in the armpits, in the groin, on clothes.

Head itches

The child suffers most from pests. The disease progresses rapidly and even after treatment for lice, the skin does not stop itching. Unpleasant sensations can be caused by unhealed wounds from lice bites or insect repellants.

Head lice remedies can cause allergies or burns. Therefore, if a burning sensation arose on the skin during treatment, the drug should be washed off immediately.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a disease that cannot be dealt with without consulting a doctor. It is caused by fungi of the yeast group, which are present in every person. If a favorable environment is formed for infectious agents, then they begin active reproduction, which causes unpleasant symptoms:

Scales form on the skin;
Acne appears;
Hair begins to fall out;
A rash appears;
The skin is peeling;
The head itches badly, itching appears.

As a rule, when similar signs appear, a person immediately suspects the appearance of lice. After examination, an accurate diagnosis is established. That is why special attention should be paid to diagnostics. Properly prescribed treatment will help get rid of the disease and restore the normal balance of fungi in the body.

Why does the head itch

The curls are treated with parasite shampoo, lice are not visible, but the scalp still wants to scratch. There are several reasons why the lice were taken out, and the head itches:

Unhealed wounds cause discomfort for 2-3 days. This period must be endured. The less often you touch the bite marks, the faster they will pass.
Psychological factor. A person is used to the fact that insects live in his hair. After their removal for about two days, the sensation persists that the head itches from nits and lice.
New insects. You cannot treat the head with the drug once. After a week, new lice will appear from the remaining eggs. If the skin begins to itch two weeks after treatment, then it is worth checking the hair again.
Allergy. Most over-the-counter drugs can cause itching and redness. Before you start removing parasites, it is worth taking a test. Apply a little product on the wrist or the crook of the elbow, rinse off after an hour and wait a day. If the place does not turn red, then treatment can begin.

Folk recipes for head lice can also cause discomfort. Therefore, before you start treating hair from lice, you should consult your doctor.

The danger of chronic head lice

Lice bites on human skin.
At the time of the bite, lice secrete a specific enzyme that slows down blood clotting. This means that for some time the wound remains open for infection to penetrate. The fact that the patient is constantly combing the skin also creates a favorable environment for bacteria. Suppuration leads to fever, inflammation of the lymph nodes, headaches.

If you do not get rid of the parasites in a timely manner, pyoderma, a purulent skin lesion, may develop.From constant injury, it becomes rough, covered with a scab, and acquires an uncharacteristic shade. Irritation lesions extend beyond the hairline. The risk of allergies and chronic head lice increases.

The long-term consequences of head lice include its transition to a chronic form. People in unfavorable social conditions, over time, get used to discomfort, continuous scabies, scabs on the head. The longer the lice are in contact with the owner, the more damage they do to him.

The development cycle of lice is almost the same. Initially, small individuals hatch from the nits after 6-8 days, which will feed on human blood. Then, they molt every five days. This process is repeated three times. After the third time, the larva becomes an adult.

From the moment the nits are born and until the killing of an adult louse, it can take 2-4 weeks. This is the life span of an infectious parasite. With each egg-laying, the female is able to lay 6-14 eggs at a time. Two weeks after emergence, the larva can reproduce.

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How to get rid of discomfort

You have poisoned the lice, but the discomfort remains: the head itches and bakes, nits remain on the hair. This is normal. Itching can persist for up to three days, but you can alleviate your condition:

Once a day, rinse your hair with a decoction of chamomile and string. For its preparation, two tablespoons of herbs are poured with 500 ml of boiling water and kept on fire for 2 minutes. Then the collection is removed from the stove and insisted for 30 minutes. The product will speed up wound healing and soothe the scalp.
Make an oatmeal mask. Half a glass of rolled oats is poured with a glass of boiling water and stirred. The mixture is applied to the hair and washed off after 15 minutes with warm water. Some of the flakes may remain on the head, so the curls should be carefully combed with a thick comb.
Rinse hair with tea tree oil. Take 4 drops of oil for half a liter of warm water. An allergy test should be done before use.

It is not enough to get rid of lice, you should also kill the nits. Then the itching will never come back. To do this, after etching insects, it is necessary to comb the damp hair with a lice comb. The procedure is repeated four times a day.