Päänestettäviin

Päänestettäviin is a Finnish term that translates to "head lice" or "pediculosis capitis" in English. It refers to an infestation of the human head by the head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis. These small, wingless insects are parasitic and feed on human blood. Head lice are a common problem, particularly among school-aged children, and are not a sign of poor hygiene.

The life cycle of a head louse includes three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Nits are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that are typically glued to the hair shaft close to the scalp. They are difficult to remove and can be mistaken for dandruff or other debris. Nymphs hatch from the nits and are immature lice that resemble adult lice but are smaller. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed and are capable of reproduction.

Transmission of head lice primarily occurs through direct head-to-head contact. Less commonly, they can spread through shared personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, or scarves, although lice do not survive long off the human host. Symptoms of a head louse infestation include itching of the scalp, which can be intense, and sometimes a tickling sensation on the scalp or in the hair. In some cases, sores or infections may develop on the scalp from scratching. Diagnosis is typically made by visually identifying live lice or nits on the scalp. Various over-the-counter and prescription treatments are available to eradicate head lice, including medicated shampoos, lotions, and rinses.