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Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Nov 2022Background and Objectives: Pediculosis, or head lice infestation, is a widespread health problem that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or social background....
Background and Objectives: Pediculosis, or head lice infestation, is a widespread health problem that can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or social background. The purpose of this study was to clarify the occurrence of pediculosis among Estonian preschool- and primary school-aged children according to their parents and the parent’s awareness of pediculosis and related behaviors. Materials and Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by the parents of the preschool children (n = 1141) in 2019 and the parents of the elementary school children (n = 362) in 2021. For the descriptive data, t-test, Mann−Whitney or χ2 test, linear regression, and logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: According to the parents, pediculosis had occurred in 34.7% of the children, and more than one-third of pediculosis patients had experienced it more than twice. Lice were mainly acquired from elementary school or preschool and less often from friends, relatives, or training environments. Parents’ knowledge of head lice was rather good; the average score of the correct answers was 14.0 ± 3.4 (max. 20). In the multivariate analysis, higher age (coefficient 0.07, p < 0.001), healthcare education (coefficient 1.19, p < 0.001), and a previous occurrence of pediculosis in a family (coefficient 1.95; p < 0.001) were factors influencing better knowledge. In order to treat the infestation, antilice shampoo and combing were the most often used methods. Conclusion: Despite parents’ awareness, pediculosis infestations continue to be common among our children.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Child, Preschool; Child; Lice Infestations; Estonia; Pediculus; Parents; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prevalence
PubMed: 36556975
DOI: 10.3390/medicina58121773 -
Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology Feb 2022Pediculus lice represent one of the longest and most prevalent parasitic infestations of humans. Head lice are an economic and social concern whereas body lice pose a... (Review)
Review
Pediculus lice represent one of the longest and most prevalent parasitic infestations of humans. Head lice are an economic and social concern whereas body lice pose a more serious public health threat. Significant progress has been made in the study of human lice over the last 10 years, allowing for new approaches in their control. An in vitro rearing system has made it possible to maintain insecticide-susceptible and -resistant reference strains, which allowed an in depth study of pediculicide resistance, including its underlying molecular mechanisms and the detection and monitoring of resistance. The generation of inbreed strains facilitated the efficient sequencing, assembly and annotation of the genomes and transcriptomes of both lice. The use of functional genomics and reverse genetics elucidated the genetics involved in the evolution of resistance and the discovery of novel target sites for the development of new pediculicides. In this review, four new effective pediculicide products, each with different mode of action and unique chemistries, will be presented. They have been found to be safe and selective, and control resistant lice. As such, they meet the criteria necessary to be used in rotations as a sustainable resistance management strategy.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecticides; Lice Infestations; Pediculus
PubMed: 35082036
DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105013 -
American Family Physician Sep 2012
Topics: Animals; Humans; Lice Infestations; Phthiraptera; Pruritus; Scabies
PubMed: 23062053
DOI: No ID Found -
Canadian Family Physician Medecin de... Aug 2012Head lice infestations continue to be seen frequently in many communities. Some of these children require multiple treatments before eradication. What are the current... (Review)
Review
QUESTION
Head lice infestations continue to be seen frequently in many communities. Some of these children require multiple treatments before eradication. What are the current treatment recommendations for head lice?
ANSWER
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestations are common, particularly among school-aged children. In order to minimize louse resistance, insecticide usage, and social stigmatization, diagnosis and treatment should be limited to those with live lice on the scalp. Options for management are predominantly topical therapies or physical removal. Large studies comparing the efficacy of these treatments are lacking. Treatment should be repeated in approximately 7 days if topical insecticides are used or every 2 to 3 days for 2 weeks if wet combing is used. Lice resistance patterns vary widely geographically, and resistance is now the most common cause of treatment failure.
Topics: Animals; Anthelmintics; Anti-Infective Agents; Child; Humans; Insecticides; Ivermectin; Lice Infestations; Pediculus; Pyrethrins; Scalp Dermatoses; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination
PubMed: 22893334
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Dermatology Jul 2017Head lice infestation is a common public health problem that is most prevalent in primary school children throughout the world, especially in developing countries... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Head lice infestation is a common public health problem that is most prevalent in primary school children throughout the world, especially in developing countries including different parts of Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with head lice infestation and pediculicidal effect of 1% permethrin shampoo in primary schools girls of Bashagard County, one of the low socioeconomic areas in southeast of Iran.
METHODS
In this interventional study six villages with similar demographical situations were selected and randomly assigned into intervention and control areas. In each area 150 girl students aged 7-12 years were selected randomly and screened for head lice infestation by visual scalp examination. In intervention area, treatment efficacy of 1% permethrin shampoo was evaluated via re-examination for infestation after one, two, and three weeks. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic and associated factors of head lice infestation.
RESULTS
The prevalence of head lice infestation was 67.3%. There was significant association between head lice infestation and school grade, family size, parents' literacy, bathing facilities, frequency of hair washing, and use of shared articles (p < 0.05). The effectiveness of 1% permethrin shampoo for head lice treatment was 29.2, 68.9, and 90.3% after the first, second, and third weeks, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The head lice infestation is a health problem in primary school girls of Bashagard County. Improvement of socioeconomic status and providing appropriate educational programs about head lice risk factors and prevention can be effective for reduction of infestation in this area.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
This trial has been registered and approved by Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences ethical committee (Trial No.764). Trial registration date: March 17 2014.
Topics: Child; Family Characteristics; Female; Humans; Insecticides; Iran; Lice Infestations; Permethrin; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Scalp Dermatoses; Socioeconomic Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 28738799
DOI: 10.1186/s12895-017-0062-9 -
BMJ Case Reports Apr 2013
Topics: Animals; Blepharitis; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Lice Infestations; Mercury Compounds; Middle Aged; Ointments; Oxides; Phthirus
PubMed: 23580689
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009272 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Oct 2017
Topics: Aged; Animals; Dermoscopy; Groin; Humans; Lice Infestations; Male; Phthirus
PubMed: 28976865
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMicm1700352 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... 2012Head louse infestation, or pediculosis capitis, caused by Pediculus humanus var. capitis, is a common health concern in pediatric age group. An itching of the scalp is... (Review)
Review
Head louse infestation, or pediculosis capitis, caused by Pediculus humanus var. capitis, is a common health concern in pediatric age group. An itching of the scalp is the chief symptom, whereas presence of viable nits confirms the diagnosis of head louse infestation. Secondary bacterial infection with impetignization with cervical and occipital lymphadenopathy can complicate the clinical scenario with physician misdiagnosing pediculosis to a primary bacterial infection. Screening and treatment of all close contacts is necessary for an adequate management of pediculosis. Medical management of head louse infestation requires proper application of topical pediculicidal agents', chiefly permethrin lotion and wet combing with a fine toothcomb. Severe cases with high parasitic load justify the use of either oral cotrimoxazole or Ivermectin. Other described technique involves a single application of hot air for 30 minutes. Radical but culturally unacceptable method would be shaving of scalp in resistant cases. Environmental fogging with insecticides is neither necessary nor recommended.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecticides; Lice Infestations; Life Cycle Stages; Pediculus; Scalp Dermatoses
PubMed: 22772612
DOI: 10.4103/0378-6323.98072 -
Turkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi Jun 2023Head lice infestation (HLI), caused by , is an important public health problem worldwide, especially in primary school children. The aim of this study is to investigate...
OBJECTIVE
Head lice infestation (HLI), caused by , is an important public health problem worldwide, especially in primary school children. The aim of this study is to investigate HLI level, related factors, and families' knowledge levels and attitudes about HLI in two primary schools in a relatively low socio-economic region in İstanbul.
METHODS
A questionnaire on HLI was developed initially and delivered to all children and parents in the school. A total of 340 primary school students, aged between 6-12, were enrolled in the study after the consent of their parents. Their hair were examined for HLI with special combs at their schools, and free anti-lice shampoos were given to parents of positive children. A total of 951 completed questionnaires were received and evaluated with chi-square test using the SPSS 17.0 program, and the differences of p<0.05 were considered significant.
RESULTS
Number of boys in the study was slightly higher than the girls (176 vs. 164). HLI was detected in 32 (9.4%) of 340 children; seven had live adult lice on their hair while 25 had only the nits. HLI was obviously more common in girls (16.4%), compared to boys (2.8%). Analysis of 951 questionnaires revealed a statistically significant difference between HLI and infrequent bathing (p<0.05). The differences between HLI and the education levels of parents, income, the number of siblings and in contact with animals were not found to be significant (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
HLI is still a common health problem, especially in girls in primary schools. Parents are aware of the relationship between the hygiene and prevention against HLI, but low socio-economic resources seem to be important determinants. Regular combing and training activities in primary schools, in coordination with the local authorities and parents are no doubt useful in reducing the incidence of HLI among the children.
Topics: Animals; Lice Infestations; Prevalence; Pediculus; Schools; Epidemiologic Studies; Scalp Dermatoses
PubMed: 37249115
DOI: 10.4274/tpd.galenos.2023.84803 -
The American Journal of Managed Care Sep 2004School nurses often are the first healthcare professionals to diagnose lice infestations in children. Although lice do not transmit disease, many schools send children... (Review)
Review
School nurses often are the first healthcare professionals to diagnose lice infestations in children. Although lice do not transmit disease, many schools send children home if they detect live head lice. It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses that children who have been treated for lice infestations should not be excluded from school because of the presence of residual nits. The primary goals of the school nurse in controlling infestations are to identify children with head lice and to break the cycle of reinfestation. Routine screening of children for head lice is often part of infestation management policies in school districts. A thorough screening of a child's head can take several minutes. If a school's policy is to screen all students, the total time for examination adds significantly to the school nurse's caseload. The use of the school nurse's time for universal screening must be measured against other responsibilities, including health problem management, medication management, health assessments, and vision and hearing screening. Once a child is identified as having lice, the school nurse can play a key role in working with the child's family to eradicate the infestation. Education about treatment options and environmental cleaning are topics the nurse can address with the family. The school nurse also can function as a case manager who coordinates various aspects of treatment for an affected child. Because infestations can be very upsetting to students and to their families, the nurse can provide support and reassurance to the family as the child is treated. Participation of school nurses in developing appropriate and consistent policies and procedures within the school district is vital to the overall management of infestations. Their efforts to control and reduce infestations are necessary for the overall health of the school population.
Topics: Child; Humans; Lice Infestations; Mass Screening; School Nursing; United States
PubMed: 15515632
DOI: No ID Found