HEAD LICE

Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. They are very common amongst school children between the ages of 4-11 years. They are parasites which get the nourishment from human blood. Adult female lice lay 3-5 eggs per day which are glued to hair shaft that it is difficult to remove them. The eggs hatch in 7-10 days and go on to lay more eggs on the scalp. Head lice cause number of problems like itching, redness may also make the person prone to other infections. If not treated they can live in the hair for long time making it frustrating and irritating to deal.

According to Ayurveda hair is a byproduct of bone formation; the tissue which is responsible for bone formation is also responsible for the hair growth. Good hair health is a symbol of balanced doshas in the body. Any imbalance in the doshas lead to different diseases of the hair.

The most common way of getting head lice is head-to-head contact. They cannot jump or fly hence move from one person to another by crawling. Sharing of objects infested with lice such as hair accessories, brushes, combs, hats, scarves, coats, and towel. Using a bed, couch, pillow, rug or chair infested with lice is another way for getting head lice.

Signs and symptoms of head lice include:

• Itchy scalp
• Crawling sensation on scalp or hair
• Scratching
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• Pink eye
• Finding lice eggs
• Bugs crawling on the skin, hair or clothing

Ayurveda explains that good hair is a sign of good, balanced state of tridosha and imbalance in the tridosha can lead to hair diseases. The management is balancing the vitiated dosha and strengthen the dhatus by appropriate diet, lifestyle and herbs.

Internal medicine

Krumighna chikitsa

Nidanparivarjan chikitsa

Asthimajjavah strotas chikitsa

Dosh shaman chikitsa

Panchkarma

Shiropichu

Shirolepam

Abhyangam

Head massage oil

Krumighna basti

Yoga & Pranayama

Meditation

• Include foods rich in minerals and vitamins.
• Include foods rich in proteins to prevents breaking of hair due to lice.