Treatment of Head Lice in Children - Literature review Example

Various trials have been done to determine the efficacy and safety of the head lice treatment in children. However, in view of conflicting results, there is a dire need to critically evaluate these studies. Literature pertaining to research and information about treatments of head lice in children was searched from relevant databases like PUBMED, MEDLINE, etc. The MESH keywords used were “pediculosis”, “head lice”, “pediculus”. Also, medical literature in International Pharmaceutical Abstracts and in the Science Citation Index without restriction for a language of publication was searched.

Journals in which key references were published for comments, letters, or corrections in the year after publication of the key reference were hand searched.  The literature was then narrowed down to critically analyze 3 selected articles of interest. The main issues and concepts were identified and discussed in relation to the broader literature. Knowledge gained from this exhaustive study shall be applied clinically for the safe and effective treatment of patients. Also, I will try to make this information available to other health care professionals so that they can use this knowledge while treating their patients.

Education of patients and their parents is essential to treat this condition which I will try to achieve during my contact with patients. Pediculosis humanus capitis or head lice have been a source of irritation and disgust for thousands of years. They have been described in ancient Egyptian and Greek medical texts also (Dawes, 2005). Infestation with this parasite is common throughout the world, crossing all economic and social boundaries (Sladden, 2005). These parasites usually infest the scalps of school-age children, between 4 to 11 years.

  Adults, adolescents, and younger children can also be infested with them. The scalp is the most preferred site of the dwelling because of warmth and moisture. They are most often found behind the ears and at the back of the neck.