boy scratches head

What Happens when Head Lice Goes Untreated

Head lice are persistent parasites that usually affect school-aged children due to their close proximity to one another. Unfortunately, head lice can go undetected for some time since they are tiny and move so quickly. That’s why regular head checks and use of natural head lice treatments are so important when there are young kids at home. Here’s what can happen if head lice are left untreated.

Infections

While head lice are mostly an uncomfortable nuisance, there are some negative side effects of letting head lice go untreated. The biggest symptom of an infestation is an itchy scalp. The constant scratching can cause broken skin on a child’s scalp, leaving them prone to infections. Some of the more serious infections include:

Cellulitis

A bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues beneath the skin. The types of bacteria that typically cause this infection are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, but various bacteria can cause cellulitis. Symptoms include redness, pain, tenderness, swelling and warmth of the impacted area. Antibiotic treatment is required for cellulitis, which is not contagious. Natural head lice treatment at the first sign of head lice can help prevent infection.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection that is sometimes associated with untreated head lice. It is a bacterial skin infection that is more commonly seen in children. Impetigo is contagious and is caused by staph and strep bacteria. Symptoms include a rash accompanied by either small blisters or a dark, tan colored crust that forms after the blisters burst. Antibiotics can be used to treat impetigo.

Piedra infection

An infection of the hair shaft, piedra infection is possible when a head lice infestation is left untreated. This type of infection is relatively rare and causes hardened nodules on the affected hair. It’s caused by a yeast-like fungus called Trichosporon and is not typically contagious. Symptoms include nodules, brittle hair, pain, and itching. Antifungal creams, shampoos, and oral antifungal medications are used to treat this type of infection.

Recurrence

While infections are certainly caused for concern, the most common complication of untreated head lice is a recurrence. Using a natural head lice treatment to rid your child of lice is the first step. Additionally, it’s critical to ensure that lice are removed from all clothing, furniture, and bedding. If not, it will reappear before you know it. Lice spread rapidly, with it only taking a little over a week for a louse to lay more eggs. Checking your child’s head frequently in the weeks after treatment can help you make sure you stay in the clear.

Natural Head Lice Treatment

The most effective way to make sure your child’s head lice is treated is with Fresh Head’s AirAllé treatment. This FDA-cleared device successfully destroys lice and nits with heat. The one-hour treatment is so effective, it comes with a 45-day retreatment policy to guard against recurrence!

Don’t let head lice go untreated in your home. Call us for more information or to schedule an all-natural head lice treatment at one of our locations in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Orlando, and Savannah.

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