The three types of lice include head lice, body lice and pubic lice (crabs). Head lice usually appear on the scalp, on the back of the neck or behind the ears, while body lice appear in the seams of clothes, although they go on the body to feed. Pubic lice are also called crabs and usually appear in the pubic region, although they may also be found in the armpits or on the chest, eyebrows, eyelashes or facial hair.
Possible Treatments
Treatment may depend on what type of lice is present. Head lice and pubic lice may require over-the-counter or prescription creams, lotions or shampoos. Medicine is usually applied to the scalp or to the skin. If this is unsuccessful, an orally taken prescription medication may be prescribed. Body lice usually go away on their own if you bathe thoroughly and wash your clothes and bed sheets in hot water. Change your clothes daily and make sure that your clothes are clean. As body lice live in the seams of clothes, washing clothes in hot water helps to kill them. Body lice may be found on the body as well, but they usually go away after bathing thoroughly.
Avoiding Contact
In most cases, children are allowed to return to school after their first treatment. They are usually encouraged to avoid contact with other children and should not share personal items like hair brushes and hats. Sexual contact with a person who has pubic lice may spread the problem. Reduce your number of sexual partners to reduce your risk of getting pubic lice and avoid sexual contact with any individual who has pubic lice. Do not share personal items such as bed sheets, hats, clothing, combs, etc. with people who have lice.
Itching After Lice Removal
Even if lice are removed, itching may persist. This is because the itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva from lice bites. Cortisone creams and calamine lotion may help to relieve itching and are relatively cheap over-the-counter products. For more information about lice infestation treatment, speak with a healthcare professional at a reputable clinic. Other remedies may also be recommended to relieve the symptoms of lice and should be discussed with the appropriate healthcare professional.
