SKINIPEDIA - Skin Encyclopedia: Skin Insect Infestations

THE SKIN ESSENTIALS IN A NUTSHELL - Part 9, INSECT INFESTATIONS

LICE (HEAD)
Head lice, about the size of a sesame seed, are common in school children of every socioeconomic group. They are not a sign of poor hygiene. They are transmitted by contact either with someone who has them or with that person’s belongings, such as a hat or comb.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Severely itching scalp, with frequent scratch marks becoming infected.

DRUG TREATMENT
Over the counter products are available or Permithrin cream, a prescription only remedy. Antibiotics are only recommended for those people who have contracted a bacterial infection as a result of scratching the lice.

LICE (BODY AND OTHER)
Lice are tiny parasitic insects that occur among people who live in overcrowded buildings under conditions of poor hygiene. These insects are transmitted by close contact, including sexual contact. Lice are frequently spread among school children; they can also be spread from infested toilet seats. There are three species; head lice, pubic lice
(also called crabs), and body lice. Head lice is discussed above.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Intense itching; lice on the body and clothing; nits in the hair shafts.

DRUG TREATMENT
Several lotions and shampoos (eg, Lindane) are available over the counter and by prescription. Apply the product to all infected and hairy parts of the body. Children should be kept at home until they have had at least one treatment. Sheets, combs, brushes, and hats should be washed in hot, soapy water.

FLEAS
Fleas are small insects that suck blood from dogs, cats, humans, and other animals. They have a great jumping ability and often spread from family pets to their owners. Eggs laid in bedding can hatch and remain there to feed off animals or humans.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Localized rash; severe itching.

TREATMENT
Calamine lotion may help to relieve the itching but the problem will continue until the fleas are eliminated. Treatment of animals and their living areas is necessary. Flea insecticides are available. Spray on a pet’s bedding, as well as your own. Furniture and carpets should also be sprayed.

SCABIES
These are tiny mites, almost impossible to see without a magnifying glass, that cause severe itching, particularly during the night. They are found worldwide among all groups of people, all ages, and often infest an entire family. Scabies are spread by close physical contact and, less often, by sharing clothing or bed sheets with an infested person.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Itching at night; thin, pencil-like lines on the skin. Lesions and symptoms are especially pronounced over fingers, wrists, elbows, breasts, groin, knees, and ankles.

DRUG TREATMENT
There are several prescription lotions and creams available that are applied all over the body, from the neck down, and left on overnight.

TICKS
Ticks are small, flat insects that feed on blood. They live in tall grasses, brush, and wooded areas and attach to passing animals or persons. After being in a wooded area, check yourself for ticks. They are often lodged in the hair, around ankles, and in the genital area. Do not scratch a tick bite. If you do, the body of the insect may break off, leaving the head embedded in your skin.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Itching; presence of ticks (small hard lumps surrounded by a red circle).

TREATMENT
Gently remove the tick, preferably using a tweezer. Particularly in areas where Rocky Mountain spotted fever is known to be present, never detach a tick with your bare hands because infection may result.

THE SKIN ESSENTIALS IN A NUTSHELL - Part 10 can be found by clicking HERE