Head lice is a global public health problem that affects many children. In the US, an estimated 10 million people suffer from head lice infestation (CDC, 2019). However, the problem is not considered a health hazard. Head lice do not cause disease and are linked to a few cases of secondary infection. Nevertheless, the insects cause many social problems. For that reason, the management of the resulting problems is quite costly. This is why it’s necessary to understand the problem in order to prevent the spread of the insects and treat the affected individuals.
Description of the Problem
Head lice ( Pediculus humanus capitis ) is a common health problem worldwide (CDC, 2019). The problem has few associations to secondary infections. Head lice are not disease vectors and pose an insignificant health hazard. However, head lice cause annoyance and itching, resulting to social problems and treatment challenges. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) defines head lice as parasitic insects that feed exclusively on human blood. They are found primarily on the head (hair) and in some instances, eyebrows and eyelashes.
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The three forms of head lice life cycle are the egg (nit), nymph, and adult louse. Nits, laid by the adult female, attach firmly on the hair. Nymphs and adults feed on blood to survive (Cummings, Finlay & MacDonald, 2018). They have claws adapted for holding onto human hair. Spread of the insect occurs through contact with the head of an infected person and are not spread through sharing of clothes or other body gears. Diagnosis of head lice involves finding a living nymph or adult louse in any of the areas mentioned. Treating and managing the problem poses clinical challenges that necessitate continuous search for effective medications.
Background Information
Head lice infestation mostly affects children in pre-school, childcare, and elementary school. Infestation may spread within the household of the affected person (CDC, 2019). Data on the prevalence of the problem in the US is unreliable, but the number of estimated individuals infected, annually, is between six and twelve million (Ihde, Boscamp, Loh & Rosen, 2015). The problem affects people of all socio-economic groups. Factors such as personal hygiene, cleanliness or school environment are effective in curbing head lice spread.
The most pertinent concern for parents, school nurses, and other health professionals is how to obtain effective treatment and reduce the effects and cost of infestation. A number of new medications for the treatment of head lice received approval. Nevertheless, revision of current diagnosis and treatment options is necessary. This would minimize the effects associated with the infestation.
The negative effects of head lice have persisted among humans over the years. According to Devore and Schutze (2015), anecdotal reports on the problem from the 1990s revealed that the US incurred at least $360 million direct and indirect costs. The expenditures covered the management of school systems, lost wages, treatment, and other consumer expenses. Recent reports estimate the cost of managing the head lice problem at $1 billion. Therefore, the challenge is on all stakeholders who must ensure that affected individuals receive effective treatment. Vulnerable population must also receive protection from potential spread of head lice.
Significance to Pediatric Nursing
The most important aspects in pediatric nursing are their diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis of head lice involves the identification of a live nymph or an adult louse in the scalp or hair of the infected person. Diagnosis is complicated by the fact that live nymphs and louse are small, highly mobile, and avoid light. This makes them difficult to pick out (CDC, 2019). For this reason, nurses and guardians may use a magnifying glass and a fine toothcomb to search for the lice. Diagnosis is also dependent on correct identification of signs and symptoms of infestation.
The significance of the problem in pediatric nursing stems from an understanding that treatment is necessary. This reduces social challenges associated with the problem. Nurses must have updated information on the current effective treatments to be used. The complications raise uncertainty among patients and pediatric nurses (Meister & Ochsendorf, 2016). Clinical reports indicate that the efficacy of some of the medications have declined over the years. For instance, the effectiveness of permethrin fell from 97% in the 90s to 30% in the year 2010 (Meister & Ochsendorf, 2016). As a result, health professionals in pediatric nursing must remain vigilant in order to monitor the levels of efficacy of different treatment options. Proper treatment should target pediculosis capitis or the infestation and resultant infection due to itching and scratching (Ahmad, Abdel‐Azim & Abdel‐Aziz, 2014). Pediatric nurses need to provide public education and awareness on how to avoid the problem by clarifying the primary mode through which head lice are spread. Emphasis on possible infection from other diseases is required in cases where infestation is high, and excessive scratching exposes the patient to risk of secondary skin infections.
Conclusion
Head lice infestation is not a primary health hazard. However, its social and economic implications cannot be understated. The clinical evidence reviewed indicates that anxiety and discomfort associated with head lice cause substantial social problems. With millions of people suffering from the problem, prevention and treatment of the infected should be the primary focus. Also, the people ought to be informed about this problem and how to avoid. Overall, head lice implications for pediatric nursing revolve around prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
References
Ahmad, H. M., Abdel‐Azim, E. S., & Abdel‐Aziz, R. T. (2014). Assessment of topical versus oral ivermectin as a treatment for head lice. Dermatologic therapy , 27 (5), 307-310.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Head Lice FAQs – Who is at Risk for Getting Head Lice? Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html
Cummings, C., Finlay, J. C., & MacDonald, N. E. (2018). Head lice infestations: A clinical update. Paediatrics & Child Health , 23 (1), e18-e24.
Devore, C. D., Schutze, G. E. (2015). Head lice. Pediatrics , 135 (5), e1355-e1365.
Ihde, E. S., Boscamp, J. R., Loh, J. M., & Rosen, L. (2015). Safety and efficacy of a 100% dimethicone pediculocide in school-age children. BMC pediatrics , 15 (1), 70.
Meister, L., & Ochsendorf, F. (2016). Head lice: epidemiology, biology, diagnosis, and treatment. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International , 113 (45), 763.
