Children commonly scratch their scalp. One common cause is Pediculosis capitis (head lice ) infestation. It is the infestation of scalp and neck by blood sucking insect called lice. Itching is produced when the body reacts to their saliva secretion.
It is a very common infection, affects up to 50% of school children in India. Children’s school, attendance and other activities may be affected. It may produce bacterial infection, fever, and enlarged swelling in the neck.
The head louse, which is a sesame seed sized insect visible to the naked eye. Their legs have claws to hold onto the hair, and they move by crawling on top of hair. They cannot hop or jump or fly.
Headlice mainly spread by close head to head contact while playing or studying. Other methods could be by sharing of hats, caps, brushes, combs, pillow, seats, theatre seats etc.
Dandruff and atopic dermatitis, fungal infections are other common conditions that may cause an itchy scalp.
Confusion may be between dandruff and nits (lice eggs)
Dandruff is restricted to the scalp, and detach is easily whereas nits are attached to the hair, away from the scalp and do not slide along the hair.
Itching on the back and the side of the scalp
Scratching, secondary infection and swelling of lymph nodes in the neck
Single use of medicated shampoo is usually sufficient.
Anti itch or oral antibiotics may be needed
All infested persons and their bed mates need treatment
A certified dermatologist should be consulted for the appropriate treatment of the conditions.
Detecting infestation and treating at the earliest is most important
Avoid head to head contact
Restrict sharing of comb, towels, headgears, headphones etc
All the contacts in the family, school or friend circle should be treated.
Two other types of lice are body lice and pubic lice.
Body lice
Body lice looks similar to head lice.
It remains in the seams of clothes.
Body lice infestation is common in people in who live in extremely crowded places and in homeless individuals
It affects the back, neck and shoulders
it needs to be treated along with the additional decontamination of clothing,
All bedsheets, towelse and clothing should be washed in hot water and ironed
All items which are not washable should be sealed in a polythene bag for two weeks before use
Pubic lice
Pubic lice is found on the pubic area, hairy chest and sometimes in the underarms. It uncommonly affects the eyebrows, eyelashes, moustache and perianal area. It is mainly transmitted by sexual contact
Additional treatment of sexual partners is needed for successful treatment
Disclaimer: This article is only for general patient information and is not intended for self medication. There is no legal liability of IADVL arising out of any adverse consequence to the patient. Subsequent to its use for self treatment of the disease images adjust for the depiction of the condition and is not to be used for any other purpose.
Explore articles in this section to gain a deeper understanding of various skin diseases and conditions. Each article provides detailed information on symptoms, causes, and treatment options, helping you to manage and address these dermatological issues effectively.
Psoriasis is a skin condition where new skin forms at a faster rate, showing up as red rashes with whitish scales, commonly over elbows, knees, and other body parts.
Dandruff is a common scalp condition in which small pieces of dry skin flake off from the scalp and is usually associated with itching. The exact cause of Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis is unknown.
Dermatophyte infection is a superficial fungal infection of skin, hair and nails. It is also known as ringworm. In Hindi it is termed as Daad and in Marathi it is termed as Gachkaran.
