Lice are parasites that can live in various places on the body. For pre-school and elementary school children, lice take residence on the hair near the scalp. Head lice are not dangerous to the host, but they spread from host to host easily. Body lice can occur anywhere in the world, but are usually found in places with extreme crowding and unhygienic conditions. A pubic lice condition is considered a sexually transmitted disease and is commonly referred to as "crabs."
Head Lice Treatment
The treatment for head lice requires diligence and planning to avoid further contagion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you treat the infested person with either an over-the-counter head lice shampoo or a prescribed lice medicine. Lice do not fly, but they can transition quickly and easily (and almost invisibly) from one person's head to another by close contact. In order to use head lice medicine, remove any shirting and wash the hair with the lice medicine thoroughly. Do not use shampoo or conditioner before the lice medicine. Put on clean clothing after applying the lice treatment and monitor the hair for the next two days. Within that time, use a fine-tooth comb to dislodge any lice. Lice are capable of settling on bedding and clothes. After applying hair treatment, wash the linens, pillowcases, bedding and clothing before anyone uses the items. Ensure that lice do not reattach themselves through transmission of cloth items by using wash water that is heated to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit and then dried in a clothes dryer.
Body Lice Treatment
According to the CDC, body lice can occur on the homeless, victims of natural disasters or war and on refugees. Unlike head lice, body lice can spread disease and spread through articles of clothing, bed linens or towels. The most effective treatment for body lice is to practice good hygiene by having access to baths or showers. In addition, wash all clothes, bed linens and towels exposed to the body lice in hot water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Place all washed items in a hot dryer for best results.
Pubic Lice Treatment
Sexual contact spreads pubic lice, as does contact with infested bedding or clothing items. Pubic lice, sometimes called crabs, are visible in hairy parts of the body. The Minnesota Department of Health states that pubic lice can be treated with either an over-the-counter or prescribed medication. Apply the pubic lice medicine on the affected areas. Both partners should engage in treatment at the same time, if possible. As with body lice, extend treatment to all clothes, bed linens and towels to a wash cycle that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit and then by drying all clothing items in a dryer.
