Head lice

• What are head lice classified as?


  Ectoparasites
• What are head lice classified as?


  Ectoparasites
• What is the size range of head lice?


  1. 3 mm long
• How do head lice cling to hair?


  They have specialized claws
• How many eggs do female head lice lay per day?


  1. 6 eggs
• How long does it take for head lice eggs to hatch?


  1. 10 days
• How long does it take for a newly hatched louse to reach adult form?


  10 days
• What is the lifespan of a louse?


  1. 2 months
• What are nits?

  Empty white egg shells that stick to hair
• Where are head lice eggs typically laid?

  Close to the scalp
• What is a common symptom of head lice infestation?

  Itchy scalp
• What causes the itchy scalp associated with head lice?


  Allergic response to saliva of lice
• How long can it take for itching to develop after infestation?


  Three months
• Can itching persist after lice eradication?


  Yes, it can persist
• What is the common age group affected by head lice?


  Children aged 4-11 years
• How are head lice primarily transmitted?


  Head-to-head contact
• Do head lice have a preference for clean or dirty hair?


  No preference
• How long can lice survive on surfaces like pillows?


  They die within 24 hours
• What is the best method for detecting head lice?


  Wet hair method
• What should be done before using the wet hair method?


  Wash hair normally
• What is the purpose of using conditioner in the wet hair method?


  To help comb through hair and spot lice
• How many times should each section of hair be combed in the dry hair method?


  1. 4 times
• What should be done after treatment with insecticides?


  Detection combing should be done
• When should close contacts be treated for head lice?


  Only if they have live lice
• What is the cure rate for Dimeticone products?


  70% reported in UK trials
• What is a key principle for applying insecticides?


  Apply to all areas of the scalp
• How long should insecticides be left on the scalp?


  1. 12 hours
• What is the recommended interval for reapplying insecticides?


  At least 7 days apart
• What should be avoided during treatment with dimeticone products?


  Hair should be kept away from naked flames
• What is the cure rate for Malathion?


  33-75% reported in trials
• What is a common side effect of Malathion?


  Irritation and erythema of scalp
• What is the main advantage of the Bug Buster® Kit?


  No chemicals, hence no resistance
• How often should the Bug Buster® Kit be used?


  Every 3 or 4 days for 2 to 3 weeks
• What is a common reason for treatment failure?

  Poor application technique
• What should be done to prevent head lice?


  Regular hair examinations
• Can children attend school while being treated for head lice?


  Yes, they can attend school
• What is the relationship between hygiene and head lice?


  Not associated with lack of hygiene
• What is the significance of treating all affected family members on the same day?

  It prevents re-infection
• What is the recommended first-line treatment for pregnant women and children aged 6 months to 2 years?

  Wet combing or dimeticone 4% lotion
• What is the cure rate for Full Marks Solution® in trials?


  52-82% reported in trials