Post by Editor on Aug 16, 2007 9:38:22 GMT -5
It's nearly that time of year again. When yellow school buses, cross
guards and children carrying book bags abound. Therefore the Henry and
Stark County Health Departments would like to remind area residents of the
facts pertaining to head lice and how to treat it.
The head louse is one variety of a number of different lice. This type
chooses the scalp and the hair to make its home. Head lice complete their
life cycle in approximately one month and new generations multiply rapidly,
over and over again.
Head lice are insects, flattened in shape from top to bottom; they have
no wings and do not jump or fly. Their mouths include a set of six pairs of
hooks by which they can attach themselves to the hair shaft. Transmission
usually occurs from one infested person to another by direct contact with
hair. Personal items such as combs, brushes, towels, and bedding are
frequent sources of contamination. Another common source is clothing, such
as hats, ribbons, scarves, topcoats and sweaters, all of which provide
excellent transportation from one individual to another.
Although head lice are difficult to see, they are easy to recognize.
One sign is a persistent itch of the scalp, often accompanied by infected
scratch marks. Closer inspection, aided by a hand lens will reveal small
silvery eggs attached to the hair shaft.
Head lice infestations among children and adults are common. Lice are
unbearably itchy and highly contagious; they require immediate, thorough
treatment. Alas, there are no non-toxic products for killing lice, but
there are effective over-the-counter products such as Nix and Rid.
But if you do use one of these preparations, follow the instructions
exactly. Delouse clothing, bedding and combs according to directions; as
well as, head and body. Remember to take all possible steps to protect
other members of your household, and to notify people who might have been
exposed through direct bodily or household contact, and to prevent
reinfestation.
For more information, contact your family health care provider, school
nurse or the Health Department.
#####
guards and children carrying book bags abound. Therefore the Henry and
Stark County Health Departments would like to remind area residents of the
facts pertaining to head lice and how to treat it.
The head louse is one variety of a number of different lice. This type
chooses the scalp and the hair to make its home. Head lice complete their
life cycle in approximately one month and new generations multiply rapidly,
over and over again.
Head lice are insects, flattened in shape from top to bottom; they have
no wings and do not jump or fly. Their mouths include a set of six pairs of
hooks by which they can attach themselves to the hair shaft. Transmission
usually occurs from one infested person to another by direct contact with
hair. Personal items such as combs, brushes, towels, and bedding are
frequent sources of contamination. Another common source is clothing, such
as hats, ribbons, scarves, topcoats and sweaters, all of which provide
excellent transportation from one individual to another.
Although head lice are difficult to see, they are easy to recognize.
One sign is a persistent itch of the scalp, often accompanied by infected
scratch marks. Closer inspection, aided by a hand lens will reveal small
silvery eggs attached to the hair shaft.
Head lice infestations among children and adults are common. Lice are
unbearably itchy and highly contagious; they require immediate, thorough
treatment. Alas, there are no non-toxic products for killing lice, but
there are effective over-the-counter products such as Nix and Rid.
But if you do use one of these preparations, follow the instructions
exactly. Delouse clothing, bedding and combs according to directions; as
well as, head and body. Remember to take all possible steps to protect
other members of your household, and to notify people who might have been
exposed through direct bodily or household contact, and to prevent
reinfestation.
For more information, contact your family health care provider, school
nurse or the Health Department.
#####