Both require different treatment approaches, and both can significantly affect your child’s comfort and health if ignored.
9. How Mites Affect Health Beyond the Itch
Mites can impact children in more ways than most realize. Aside from itching and skin irritation, mite-related conditions can lead to:
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- Skin infections from open wounds
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- Sleep disturbances due to night-time itching
- Allergic reactions, including nasal congestion and eye irritation
- Worsening of asthma or eczema, especially with dust mites
If your child has pre-existing health conditions, exposure to mites could exacerbate them. Knowing this can help you act faster and avoid complications.
10. Effective Treatment Options — What Really Works
For head lice, over-the-counter shampoos with ingredients like permethrin or pyrethrin are the standard first line of defense. Be sure to:
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- Follow the instructions carefully
- Use a fine-tooth nit comb to remove eggs
- Treat bedding, brushes, and clothes
For scabies, prescription creams like permethrin 5% or oral medications may be necessary. Scabies treatment usually requires:
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- Treating the whole household
- Washing all clothes and bedding on hot cycles
- Following up with a second treatment after a week
Never self-diagnose a mite issue. Always consult a medical provider to confirm the diagnosis and get the right prescription if needed.
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