The clinical presentation of pediculosis capitis is not always direct and may easily go unobserved. History will include exposure to an infestation; however, this may frequently be unknown. Similarly, symptoms may not always be identifiable and can be attributed to other conditions. Finally, physical signs of living head lice are not always easy to identify. Suspicion of infestation should be immediate among contacts of individuals with current or recent pediculosis capitis, and should not be abandoned by the absence of symptoms until a thorough assessment is completed.
Symptoms
Pediculosis capitis may frequently go undetected as many individuals have no symptoms. The typical symptom is pruritus from a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the saliva of the head lice. An initial infestation may take four to six weeks to develop and subsequent infestations may take as little as 48 hours (Yetman, 2014). Almost half of the population never has a response (Glasziou, et al., 2013). Others have pruritus so intense it keeps them up at night and disturbs the quality of their sleep. Some individuals only experience their scalp tickling or feel that something …show more content…
Options include over-the-counter products, prescription medications, integrative treatments and manual removal. According to Devore & Schultze (2015) “The ideal treatment of lice should be safe, free of toxic chemicals, readily available without a prescription, easy to use, effective, and inexpensive.” (p. 1356). It should also be unlikely to develop resistance. New products on the market, such as dimethicone, are encouraging. At any rate, even with the best products, avoidance of re-infestation is essential. Efficient environmental management entails identifying infestations among contacts and synchronizing treatment. If time and energy are a concern, thorough and exhaustive cleaning of the environment is not as
Symptoms
Pediculosis capitis may frequently go undetected as many individuals have no symptoms. The typical symptom is pruritus from a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to the saliva of the head lice. An initial infestation may take four to six weeks to develop and subsequent infestations may take as little as 48 hours (Yetman, 2014). Almost half of the population never has a response (Glasziou, et al., 2013). Others have pruritus so intense it keeps them up at night and disturbs the quality of their sleep. Some individuals only experience their scalp tickling or feel that something …show more content…
Options include over-the-counter products, prescription medications, integrative treatments and manual removal. According to Devore & Schultze (2015) “The ideal treatment of lice should be safe, free of toxic chemicals, readily available without a prescription, easy to use, effective, and inexpensive.” (p. 1356). It should also be unlikely to develop resistance. New products on the market, such as dimethicone, are encouraging. At any rate, even with the best products, avoidance of re-infestation is essential. Efficient environmental management entails identifying infestations among contacts and synchronizing treatment. If time and energy are a concern, thorough and exhaustive cleaning of the environment is not as