Today our topic of discussion is Pediculosis Treatment.
Pediculosis Treatment
PEDICULOSIS TREATMENT
Pediculosis is defined as the state of being infected with lice. Pediculi or lice is a small blood sucking parasite. It is associated with poor personal hygiene. It can be acquired in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions and exposure to infected persons.
Purpose
- To destroy pediculi and nits.
- To prevent its transmission to other.
- To promote comfort
- To promote sense of well-being.
Dangers of Pediculosis
- Severe itching
- Scratching and as a result, abscess formation
- Presence of dandruff
- Restlessness and insomnia due to discomfort
- Anemia
- Presence of nodules at the back of head due to infected glands.
Prevention of Pediculosis
- Proper personal hygiene should be maintained by every person
- Daily hair combing and frequently washing it If the patient complains of itching or scratches the head, examine hair and scalp thoroughly.
Medications Used for Pediculosis Treatment
- DDT powder one part to nine part of talcum powder
- Kerosene mixed with equal parts of sweet oil destroys both lice and nits
- Carbolic lotion 1:40 Readily available lysil
- Preparations containing gamma, benzene hexachloride available in the market and can be used according to the instruction on the label (Table 13.1).
Types of Pediculi
- Pediculosis capitis: Which infest the head
- Pediculosis corporis: Which infest the body and is found with its flits in the clothing
- Pediculosis pubis: This infests the axillary and pubic hair, the eyebrows and sometimes the eyelashes (Fig. 13.6).
General Instructions
- The parasiticides are applied thoroughly on the scalp (to the body if necessary) and is left for overnight.
- On the next day a thorough bath is given and the linen is changed
- The linen should be thoroughly disinfected to remove the lice from the cloths
- Since, the parasiticides are not effective against the nits (eggs) the procedure is repeated after a week.
Preliminary Assessment
- Doctors order for specific precautions
- General condition of the patient
- Condition of the scalp and the hair
- Assess mental stale to follow instructions
- Articles available in the patients unit.
Equipment
- A tray containing:
- Mackintosh -1 Bath towels-2
- Wash cloth -1
- A cap, a triangular bandage or a towel folded diagonally.
- Safety pins
- Kidney tray with disinfectant, e.g. carbolic acid 1:40
- Paper bag
- Hair comb
- Cotton swabs or gauze piece in a container
- Vaseline
- Gown mask and cap
- Bucket with antiseptic solution, e.g. carbolic acid 5%.
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