Lice and Scabies- Embarrassing Conditions
Head lice are wingless insects spending their entire life on human scalp and feeding exclusively on human blood. Humans are the only known host of this specific parasite, but many other species of lice are known which infest most orders of mammals and also birds. Head louse differ from other hematophagic ectoparasites such as the flea in that lice spend their entire life cycle on a host. Head lice cannot fly, and their short stumpy legs render them incapable of jumping, or even walking efficiently on flat surfaces. Scabies, also known as the itch, is a contagious ectoparasite skin infection characterized by superficial burrows and itching. The intense itching and rash characteristic of scabies infection is caused by an allergic reaction of the body to the burrowing of the microscopic scabies mites. The rash can be found over much of the body; the associated itching is often most prevalent at night.
Last Modified: Mon, 02 Jan 2012 13:39:00 GMT
