Creepy Crawlies: Lice, Fleas, Ticks and Bedbugs with Dr. Christen Benke | San Diego Health

Summary

This video from Scripps Health, hosted by Susan Taylor, discusses common pests like lice, fleas, ticks, and bedbugs, often referred to as 'creepy crawlies.' Dr. Christen Benke, a Family Medicine doctor, explains how these pests affect people and pets, ways to identify and treat infestations, and how to maintain a clean home environment. They also cover prevention methods, the difference between head lice and body lice, and the potential health impacts of tick bites. Practical tips for keeping pets clean and handling home infestations are also shared.

Takeaways

• 🧴 Lice are common and spread through head-to-head contact, particularly among children in close settings like schools.
• 🧐 Lice symptoms include itching, and they can be identified by small, sesame-seed-like insects stuck to hair.
• 💇‍♀️ Treatment for lice involves a cream rinse, washing affected clothing and bedding, and using a fine-toothed comb to remove lice and eggs.
• 🐕 Fleas typically live on pets and can jump onto humans, causing localized itching. Treatment focuses on treating pets with flea shampoos and collars.
• 🌿 Ticks live in tall grasses and bushes, attaching to humans or animals. They feed on blood and may cause diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
• 🛏️ Bed bugs live in mattress seams and upholstery, causing bites. They are less common in homes but can be treated by hiring an exterminator.
• 🐾 Pets can bring fleas and ticks into homes. Regular vet check-ups and flea treatments are recommended to prevent infestations.
• 👶 Lice and other creepy crawlies can affect anyone regardless of socioeconomic status, and there's no shame in treating them.
• 🔬 Dust mites live in bedding and mattresses, and while harmless, they can cause allergies. Washing sheets frequently and using hypoallergenic covers can help.
• ⚠️ If infestations like fleas or bed bugs go untreated, they may require professional cleaning or extermination services to fully eliminate the problem.

Q & A

What are the main types of creepy crawlies discussed in the video?

The video discusses lice, fleas, ticks, and bedbugs as the main types of creepy crawlies. It also briefly mentions spiders and dust mites.

How can lice be transmitted, and what are the typical symptoms?

Lice are transmitted through direct contact, often by touching heads or sharing hats and brushes. The typical symptom is itching caused by lice feeding on the scalp. Lice look like tiny sesame seeds and are usually stuck to the hair.

What is the recommended treatment for lice?

Lice can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription cream rinses. The cream is applied, left for 10 minutes, and then rinsed off. It's essential to wash bedding, clothing, and hair accessories in hot water and use a fine-toothed comb to remove nits and eggs. A follow-up treatment is recommended after nine days.

What is the difference between head lice and body lice?

Head lice live on the scalp and are transmitted through close contact. Body lice, on the other hand, are less common and typically found in poor hygiene or communal living situations. They live on clothing and cause irritation where the fabric touches the skin, such as around the waistband or armpits.

How are fleas typically transmitted, and what are the symptoms of flea bites?

Fleas are usually transmitted through pets like cats and dogs that go outdoors. Fleas can jump up to two feet and often bite around areas close to where the animal rests. Symptoms include localized red bites, itching, and scratching.

What is the treatment for ticks, and what potential diseases can they cause?

To remove a tick, use tweezers to grab it at the head and pull gently to avoid leaving the head embedded in the skin. Ticks can cause diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, both of which are treatable with antibiotics if detected early.

Where are bedbugs commonly found, and how are they treated?

Bedbugs are commonly found in the seams of mattresses and upholstery. They bite exposed skin that comes in contact with the mattress. Treatment involves professional extermination, as bedbugs are difficult to eliminate without specialized services.

What preventive measures can be taken to avoid these creepy crawlies?

Preventive measures include keeping foliage around the house trimmed, using flea treatments on pets, inspecting yourself and your pets after hiking, and washing clothes and bedding in hot water regularly. Using hypoallergenic covers can also help reduce dust mites.

What are some misconceptions about treating lice using home remedies like mayonnaise or olive oil?

Home remedies such as mayonnaise or olive oil are often thought to suffocate lice, but they have not been proven effective. It’s better to use over-the-counter or prescription treatments designed specifically for lice removal.

How can you identify a tick bite, and what should you do if you find one?

A tick bite might present as a small, firm bump at the site of the bite. If a rash develops, such as the target-shaped erythema migrans rash, it could indicate Lyme disease. If you find a tick, use tweezers to remove it carefully or seek help from a medical professional.

Why should parents not feel ashamed if their children get lice or other creepy crawlies?

Getting lice or other creepy crawlies is not a reflection of cleanliness or socioeconomic status. It’s a common experience for families with children, and lice are easily treatable. It's important to address the issue without shame and focus on eliminating the pests.