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Helminth Collection and Identification from Wildlife
Published on: December 14, 2013
Head lice
Alexis Frydenberg1, Mike Starr
1Department of General Medicine, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
Background:
Head lice infestation is a very common problem in children and causes a high level of anxiety among parents and childcare workers.
Objective:
In this article we attempt to clarify issues of diagnosis and treatment of head lice and offer recommendations for dealing with head lice.
Discussion:
Head lice are a nuisance, but they do not transmit infectious diseases. Control includes detection with wet comb technique. Treatment is usually with a topical pediculicide, but regular mechanical removal with conditioner and a comb is an alternative. Treatment failure can be the result of inadequate application of the treating product, pediculicide resistance, or failure to re-treat at 7-10 days. Reinfestation (and therefore apparent treatment failure) is common.
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The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...