Lice & Scabies

Lice are tiny parasites that feed on the human host’s blood which they need to survive. The 3 different kinds of lice are categorised based on the specific areas they infect. 

Head lice are prevalent among children and frequently spread around schools. This is probably because children have more close contact with each other compared to adults. The size of the lice is similar to that of a sesame seed. They lay white or yellow eggs called nits which are barely visible.

The most common symptom of head lice is itching on the scalp. Contrary to popular belief, getting head lice is not related to personal hygiene. They are more common in girls possibly because of more frequent close contact than boys.

Pubic lice are about half the size compared to head lice. They have been known as “crabs” due to the claw-like front legs of the lice that enable them to cling to the hair. These small yellow-grey parasites infest the pubic area and are passed from one person to another through sexual contact. It causes a similar symptom of intense itching in the pubic region. It can be a challenge to get rid of pubic lice because their eggs are barely visible to the naked eye and cannot be eradicated by normal washing.

Body lice are the least common among the three but they exhibit similarity to head lice. They tend to hide in beddings and clothes which is why they can be hard to locate and eradicate. Effective treatment is crucial for body lice because if left untreated, they can cause health complications like skin sores, bacterial infections, and blood infections. They are also the most annoying as the itching is not focused on one area but instead affects the entire body.

Scabies is another infectious skin disease that causes a very itchy rash, caused by the burrowing of female mites into the skin where they lay their eggs. Aside from the rash, you may observe small lesions that are as thin as pencil marks caused by the burrowing, although these are not always noticeable. Red patches can also develop all over the body, although rarely on the face or scalp. Since the infection causes redness and itching, it can be challenging for people with eczema or psoriasis to recognize this condition because the symptoms are similar to those of their existing skin conditions. Scabies can spread through close contact and places where there are many possible human hosts are a common breeding ground such as nursing homes.

To start,  you will need to determine which one you have because the treatments vary. For head lice and pubic lice, you can use medicated shampoos and hair oils that targets and eradicates the infection. On the other hand, body lice require lotions and solutions to clear them. Scabies is a bit different but you can use certain creams and lotions that contain ingredients that can kill the mites and their eggs.

When treating lice and scabies, you will also need to treat the entire house to completely clear the infection. This means you’ll need to clean your bedding, clothes, furniture and carpets to ensure that all the parasites or mites are eradicated and will not re-infect people.

You can purchase effective medications from True Medical. There are options to suit the needs of your whole family. Our delivery services are fast and reliable so you are assured to receive your medications and get rid of the contagious parasites as fast as possible.