September is National Head Lice Prevention Month, a time to grasp the indicators, significance of screenings and out there therapies.
Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine doctor, debunks frequent myths related to these wingless bugs, which have an effect on millions of youngsters every faculty yr.
Journalists: Broadcast-quality video pkg (0:58) is within the downloads on the finish of the publish. Please courtesy: “Mayo Clinic News Network.” Read the script.
As children return to highschool, they could deliver dwelling some undesirable visitors within the type of head lice. The bugs unfold by shut contact — not leaping or flying.
“We’ll often think about our kids in school or playing next to each other for a long period of time,” says Dr. Ardon. “Lice can also spread by sharing certain pieces of clothing, such as hats or scarves, and things like hairbrushes.”
While their bites could cause irritation and an infection if left untreated, lice don’t carry extreme sickness. Another fable pertains to cleanliness.
“Having lice is not a sign of poor hygiene or something that you’ve done wrong. It can happen really to anyone,” says Dr. Ardon.
Identifying lice and treating all the family will assist forestall the infestation from coming again.
“We can start with some over-the-counter medications that are easy for patients and families to use at home,” says Dr. Ardon. “Sometimes those are not effective, however, so patients may need to contact their pediatrician or family physician for prescription medications.”
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