Loading

 

 
  Cleaning Tips

Can Liner Sizing Guide

Carpet Cleaning Tips
Cleaning Chemicals
Cleaning Topics
Cold Water Cleaning
Color Coded Cleaning
Concrete Polishing
Dangerous Closet?
Dilution Chart
Disinfectants & Info
Dust Mites
E-Coli News
Floor Care Tips
Glossary of Terms
Gloves & Hand Protection
Green Cleaning
Hand Care
ISSA Cleaning Times
Lice and Scabies
Maintenance Tips
Marble Floor Cleaning
MicroFiber Information
Mop Selection / Care
Ph Scale
Restroom Care
Soap - How It Works
Top Cleaning Concerns
Vacuum Cleaners
VOC's ???
 

 

  Site Information
Home  
Janitorial Catalog  
Cleaning Equipment  
Search  
View Cart  
Customer Log-In  
Your Account  
History  
     
  Support
Search Our Site  
Order Policies  
Services  
Contact Us  
     
   

 
 
 

Lice and Scabies - More Than an Itch

  • What are they?
  • How are they transmitted?
  • What can be done about them?
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitus) and scabies (itch mites - Sarcoptes scabei) are parasites that appear to be making a comeback in the United States. All members of society appear to be equally susceptible. Dermatologists point out that these parasitic infections are not conditions of low-income families, neglected children or poor hygiene - no one is immune.

Both lice and scabies are highly contagious diseases. The main symptom is severe itching. The organisms that cause these diseases are different:

  • Lice have six legs and are considered insects
  • Scabies have eight legs and are more closely related to ticks and spiders.

However, the modes of transmission and symptoms are relatively the same. Both lice and scabies are transmitted by person-to-person contact. Lice can be transmitted through contaminated clothing, bedding and upholstered furniture. Itching is the result of the organism feeding on or burrowing into the skin. In the case of scabies, the mites secrete a substance that causes an allergic reaction. In both cases, itching may lead to open sores and secondary infections.

Both parasites feed on the human host and need it to survive. Once removed from the host, these organisms die within 24 hours. To control the infestation of these parasites, the infected person must be treated with over-the-counter or medically prescribed shampoos or lotions. In addition, the environment of the infected person should be treated. All clothing, bed linens and personal articles should be thoroughly washed in hot water and dried using the hot cycle. Heat is lethal to these parasites and their eggs. Personal items that cannot be washed should be dry-cleaned or placed in a plastic bag for 7 to 10 days. Vacuuming is recommended for all carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses and car seats.

There are no disinfectants that carry claims against these parasites, as they are associated with the human body and not with hard surfaces. However, early diagnosis followed by rapid treatment of the infected individual and proper cleaning procedures are key in controlling the transmission of these parasitic diseases.

 

  
 
 

Parish Maintenance Supply
www.parish-supply.com

Parish Maintenance Supply
114 Palmeter St.

Syracuse NY 13206
315-433-9031
800-836-0862
315-433-9840 fax
 

 

 
      Contact & Ordering Information    
      Copyright 1999-2012  Parish Maintenance Supply Corp. All rights reserved