by Kristen Szatny

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Lice infestation is frighteningly common worldwide, hundreds of millions of adults and children deal with lice infestation (pediculosis). Having a form of lice infestation is not only embarrassing and difficult to deal with, but in some cases can even cause some serious illness such as a reoccurring fever. There are three types of lice infestations that people can receive. They are head lice, pubic lice, and body lice. Head lice are the most common and anyone can get it. It knows no gender, race, sex, or social status. Body lice differ from this and are often found on people with poor hygiene or living in an overcrowded area. Pubic lice are passed from sexual contact. Lice survive by living off of people and feeding off of their blood, similar to ticks. Ticks get around by crawling; they can't jump from head to head or fly. They can only be transferred by some sort of contact. Animals can't transfer lice.

Head lice are a grayish white tiny bug that resembles a tick in size. They live in the hair and on the back of the neck. Sometimes a rash occurs on the back of the neck. They have a short life span of only 2 months but the problem is that the female lays many eggs, or nits, during this time. These eggs feel glued to the hair and can be very difficult to get out. While head lice is the most common infestation, small children are the most susceptible to get it. Body lice are larger than head lice, but have the same basic appearance. Body lice start by living in clothing and sheets and then transfer their way on to the body. The main symptom to tell if someone has body lice is excessive itching. Red itchy bite marks will be seen on the body. Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are usually known by intense itching in the genital area.

It is simple to prevent yourself or your child from getting any form of lice.
*Check your child's head after they have a play date. The lice and eggs are visible
* Notice constant head scratching or complaining of itchiness
*Frequently wash clothing, bed sheets, brushes or combs
* Be careful who your child plays with. If you know of a kid who has lice, don't let them go there!
* To prevent pubic lice, simply choose your sexual partners wisely
* To prevent body lice wash your clothing and sheets
*Don't share brushes, combs, headbands, hats, hair ribbons, or scarves

If you or your child gets lice don't panic. It may be an embarrassing situation but it can be easy to deal with. First of all it is very important to alert your child's school nurse and the parents of any child that may be at risk. If you call the school nurse he/she can go around the school and check the students for an outbreak. This is important because it's possible your child received the lice from another child. If everyone isn't checked and treated your child will just keep getting it back! If you want to take your child to a doctor you can, but they sell over the counter lice shampoos that are 90 percent effective in killing the lice. To treat your child buy an over the counter head lice shampoo. There are plenty to choose from. Follow the directions and make sure to use the comb! This can be a tedious process but if one egg remains on the head, the problem will reoccur. It is also suggested to do another treatment at least 9 days after just to be safe. Also make sure to vacuum your rugs, clean all brushes and combs wash all clothing, sheets and pillow cases. If a few lice are found 8-12 hours after the treatment do not panic. It may take a while to kill all the lice, just keep combing them out. If after 12 hours you are still finding lice you may want to see a pediatrician for a stronger prescription treatment.

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