Is Untreated Head Lice Neglect?
WouterWhile lice are unlikely to constitute child abuse, not treating them is grounds for reporting to the Department of Children and Families. The agency can visit the child’s home to assess the situation and recommend remedial measures, including removal. In some cases, lice infestations can be the result of neglect. In these situations, it is important to remember that lice are not vectors of other diseases.
The most important step in treating head lice is to find the source of the infestation. Untreated head lice can lead to a dangerous bacterial infection. The itchy follicles of the head lice can cause tiny cuts in the skin. This can allow the bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause a life-threatening bacterial infection known as cellulitis. This infection must be treated with strong antibiotics to kill off the bacteria that are spreading in the body.
Lice infestations are common in children and the elderly. If left untreated, lice can degrade the scalp and hair. They also can block the follicles, causing poor hair condition and hair loss. The disease may also lead to a rash triggered by the feces and bites of the louse. In rare cases, the symptoms of severe cases of lice infection are severe enough to be fatal.
Lice treatment should be done as soon as possible. Leaving the head lice untreated gives the parasite time to lay eggs and set up their nest. Furthermore, the lice can spread to other areas by jumping from head to head or crawling on surfaces. So, the only way to get rid of the problem is to treat it as soon as possible. To get the best treatment, contact a professional lice removal service such as Lice Clinics of America. This company has successfully treated more than 800,000 people with lice.
