Head Lice / Bed Bugs

Question 1

What causes head lice?

1 - pediculus capitis
2 - mite Sarcoptes scabiei
3 - trichophyton
4 - all of the above

Answer 1

1 - pediculus capitis
- these live in the hair and feed off our blood

Question 2

Head lice lay their eggs that are glued in the hair close to the scalp. Once laid, typically how long is it before the eggs hatch?

1 - 1-2 days
2 - 2-5 days
3 - 1-2 weeks
4 - 3-4 weeks

Answer 2

3 - 1-2 weeks

• itching can occur for 2-3 weeks following the infection

Question 3

How are head lice spread?

1 - contaminated water
2 - direct contact with hair
3 - in food
4 - droplets

Answer 3

2 - direct contact with hair
- head lice cannot jump, fly or swim

Question 4

Which group is head lice most common in?

1 - young children
2 - teenagers
3 - adults
4 - older people

Answer 4

1 - young children
- due to close contact

Question 5

How can you diagnose head lice?

1 - hair biopsy
2 - scalp biopsy
3 - blood sample
4 - fine-toothed combing of wet or dry hair

Answer 5

4 - fine-toothed combing of wet or dry hair

• this will collect the head lice in the comb
• 4 combing sessions over 2 weeks

Question 6

If a confirmed diagnosis is made, which of the following can be used to treat head lice?

1 - permethrin
2 - electric combing
3 - malathion
4 - dimeticone
5 - wet combing
6 - all of the above

Answer 6

6 - all of the above

• treat the whole household at the same time and advise those you have been in contact with

Question 7

Bedbugs are small insects that often live on furniture or bedding. Do they cause any major adverse health effects?

Answer 7

• no
• cause pruritus
• cause papular urticaria (hives)

Question 8

Typically without feeding on humans, how long can bed bugs live for?

1 - 6 weeks
2 - 12 weeks
3 - 6 months
4 - 12 months

Answer 8

4 - 12 months
- they typically feed at night when you sleep

Question 9

How are the bits of bed bugs typically treated?

1 - antibiotics
2 - topical anti-fungals
3 - topical steroids
4 - emollients

Answer 9

3 - topical steroids

Question 10

Although the bites of the bed bugs can be treated using topical steroids, what should people be advised to do?

1 - clean all bedding
2 - clean mattresses
3 - clean whole room
4 - contact those come into close contact with
5 - all of the above

Answer 10

3 - topical steroids