Pediculus capitis infestation

SATURDAY, Dec. 14, 2024 -- Head lice can be a wintertime headache for families and schools, but simple precautions can stop the spread of these pesky parasites. Every year, 6 million to 12 million children in the United States, ages 3 to 11, experience head lice infestations, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Contrary to popular belief, these tiny insects don’t jump or fly, said Ali Wurster , a nurse practitioner with the Texas A&M Health Mobile Health Clinic. “They actually crawl,” Wurster explained in a university release. “A kid can be sitting in a classroom even a foot away from another child, and if their heads don't touch, the lice are not going to jump onto someone else.” While many believe individuals with dirty or unclean hair are more likely to attract lice, the reverse is true, Wurster said. The small, sesame seed-sized parasites prefer a clean scalp. They spread most commonly among school-aged children through shared items like hats, coats, brushes or dress-up clothes, which present prime modes of transfer for the parasites. To prevent head lice, avoid sharing hats, brushes or clothing. School staff should regularly sanitize common items. Wurster also recommended keeping heads apart during nap time to further deter spread. While not harmful, head lice can cause significant discomfort and should be mitigated as soon as possible both to ease symptoms and stymie further spread. If lice are found, treatment is straightforward. Over-the-counter and prescription topical creams such as Nix and Permethrin work effectively, Wurster said. After applying the treatment, remove lice eggs (nits) with a fine-toothed comb, seal them in a plastic bag and repeat treatment in seven days if needed. Wash clothing, bedding and other fabric items in hot water and dry on high heat. Non-washable items, like stuffed animals, should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. The CDC no longer requires children with lice to be sent home immediately; they can finish the school day, begin treatment after school, and return the next day. Despite misconceptions, families and schools can quickly address and oftentimes prevent head lice with an accurate understanding of how the parasites spread and best practices for treatment. SOURCE: Texas A&M Health, news release, Dec. 9, 2024 Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

ALBANY, Ore., Oct. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Head lice infestations have long been a familiar challenge for families, often originating in common locations such as playgrounds and schools. These tiny pests are a source of frustration and concern, prompting a journey to find effective solutions. Continue Reading "Our goal was to create a product that brings comfort and peace of mind to families dealing with this issue." Post this Licefreee! AfterLice Spray helps relieve the pain and itching caused by lice bites and lice treatment. It's common to experience itching and irritation of the scalp even after successfully treating lice. This post-treatment itching can be incredibly frustrating. It often leads people to mistakenly believe they still have lice. For those who have experienced this relentless itching, there's good news on the horizon. Licefreee! is proud to unveil a groundbreaking product to solve these itching woes, Licefreee AfterLiceTM Pain Relieving Spray! A recent trend caught the attention of the company's development team. An increasing number of people were looking for answers to why their head still itched after treating for head lice. This trend revealed a glaring unmet need. People were finding relief from lice, but the persistent itching and discomfort were casting a shadow on their victory. In response, Licefreee embarked on a mission to develop a solution that would provide the much-needed relief. "We saw an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of those who have endured the seemingly endless itch and discomfort that often lingers post-lice treatment," says Vern Smith, Chief Science Officer. "Our goal was to create a product that brings comfort and peace of mind to families dealing with this issue." But Licefreee didn't stop at mere relief. The company recognized that lice treatments can sometimes leave the scalp feeling dry and irritated. To address this, AfterLice offers conditioning benefits that go beyond itch relief. This leave-in conditioner pampers your scalp and hair, leaving them soft, manageable, and healthy. It's a holistic approach to scalp care that sets AfterLice apart from the rest. Visit Licefreee.com to learn about this groundbreaking product that addresses a significant gap in the lice treatment market. Embrace the relief, enjoy the conditioning benefits, and take the first step towards an itch-free, worry-free life. As an introductory special, Licefreee is offering 50% off AfterLice with any head lice treatment purchase at Licefreee.com through October 31st. About Licefreee! Tec Labs launched Licefreee! non-toxic head lice treatment in 1999 to provide an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Headquartered in Albany, Oregon, the company focuses on safe, effective OTC solutions cultivating a family-like work environment that has earned it a place in Oregon Business Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon. Media Contact: Lisa Muller, Tec Laboratories [email protected] SOURCE Tec Laboratories, Inc.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Halloween approaches, the team at Hair Fairies -The Head Lice Helpers encourages families to consider their professional services to tackle the inevitable head lice surge during this spooky season. With the festivities bringing children in close contact during costume fittings, swaps, and shared wigs, the risk of head lice transmission amplifies significantly. Hair Fairies stands ready to provide a reliable solution, ensuring a lice-free Halloween experience for all. Hair Fairies has garnered widespread acclaim for its personalized treatments, earning the trust of families year after year. Their skilled specialists, available both at their salons and for at-home visits, swiftly and effectively manage a task that often leaves busy and concerned parents apprehensive. CEO of Hair Fairies, Maria Jaworski, known for her appearances on Dr.Oz, emphasized the unique challenges posed during the Halloween season. "Children are exceptionally active and interconnected during this time, making them more vulnerable to the spread of head lice," she noted. "Our expert team is equipped to tackle this issue head-on, providing peace of mind to families amidst the Halloween hustle." The heightened period of infestations coincides with the return of children to school, further exacerbating the prevalence of head lice. Understanding the resistance of these parasites to various treatments, Hair Fairies has developed high-quality products and methods, assuring parents a comprehensive solution and alleviating their concerns. "Conducting a thorough head lice screening before Halloween is highly recommended, followed by vigilant monitoring throughout the season," Maria suggested. "Our data consistently points to this time as a peak period for head lice transmission, and proactive measures can make all the difference." Hair Fairies understands the diverse needs of families, offering the convenience of at-home treatments for those with time constraints or privacy preferences. Their specialists employ a meticulous approach, addressing each strand to ensure the complete eradication of nits and bugs, providing a guaranteed solution. Additionally, it's essential to dispel common misconceptions about head lice. FACT: They neither jump nor fly, nor do they spread via inanimate objects. Direct head-to-head contact remains the primary mode of transmission. Hair Fairies operates salons in Los Angeles, San Francisco, North Carolina, and will soon expand to San Diego. Their expert staff, equipped with cutting-edge equipment and natural products, are dedicated to creating a lice-free environment for all. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact: Maria Jaworski, CEO/Founder Hair Fairies Phone: (323) 459 4949 Email: [email protected] Website: SOURCE Hair Fairies, Inc.