Lice & Scabies
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Understanding Lice & Scabies
It often starts with a small itch. At SSRC Health, we help you quickly tell whether it’s lice or scabies. Lice stay on the hair surface, while scabies mites burrow under the skin—so you get the right treatment fast.
What Are Lice & Scabies?
Lice
Tiny insects that live on the scalp, body, or pubic area. They feed on blood and spread through close contact or shared items.​
Scabies
A skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. They burrow into the skin, causing intense itching and a characteristic rash. Both are common, contagious, and require medical care to fully resolve.
Causes & How They Spread
How Lice Spread
- Close head-to-head contact
- Sharing combs, hats, helmets, towels, or pillows
- Crowded environments (schools, hostels)
How Scabies Spreads
- Prolonged skin-to-skin contact
- Sleeping close to an infected person
- Transmission through clothing or bedding (less common)
What to Look For
Lice Symptoms
- Intense scalp itching
- Visible lice or eggs (nits) attached to hair strands​
Scabies Symptoms
- Red bumps on the neck or scalp
- Crawling sensation on the head
- Severe itching, especially at night​
- Small red bumps or burrows around wrists, waistline, armpits, fingers
- Rash that spreads quickly
- Scaly or crusted skin (in advanced cases)​
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Diagnosis at SSRC Health
- Detailed scalp and skin examination
- Dermoscopy to detect lice or scabies burrows
- Skin scraping for scabies confirmation
- Evaluation for secondary bacterial infection
Treatment Options We Offer
For Lice
- Prescription topical lotions or medicated shampoos
- Removal of nits using advanced combing techniques
- Advice for household cleaning to prevent re-infestation
- Follow-up visits to ensure complete clearance
For Scabies
- Prescription scabicidal creams
- Oral medications for severe cases
- Whole-household treatment guidance to stop reinfection
- Anti-itch care to relieve discomfort
When to Seek Care at SSRC
- Persistent itching not relieved by home remedies
- Rash spreading across the body
- Visible lice or repeated lice infestations
- Signs of skin infection (pus, swelling, severe redness)
- Symptoms appearing in multiple family members
Why Choose SSRC Health for Lice & Scabies Care
- Experienced infectious disease and dermatology specialists
- Safe treatments for adults, children, and sensitive skin
- Accurate diagnosis using clinical tools
- Comprehensive guidance to prevent recurrence
- Supportive, confidential care focused on patient comfort
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 No. Lice live on hair or skin surfaces, while scabies mites burrow under the skin.
 No. Lice crawl; they do not jump or fly.
Yes. It spreads rapidly through prolonged skin contact, especially within families.
 Itching may take a few days to settle even after parasites are killed; this is normal.
 Yes, even if they have no symptoms, to prevent reinfection.
 Yes, if nits aren’t removed or if re-exposure occurs. Proper follow-up is essential.
 No. Anyone can get them, regardless of hygiene or lifestyle.