Have Itching On Face, Ears And Nose. Having Small Indentations And White Patches On Face. Concerned
Thanks for your query
I understand your concern and hope I will of help here.
I have gone through your entire description of the problem and what I suspect is that you and your family seem to be affected by body lice infestation.
The sequence of events with you being infected first and then your spouse and children developing similar type of skin lesions, all go in favor of lice infestation.
The characteristics of a body louse bite include:
A tiny red dot initially appears.
The red dot rises into a small cyst-like lump or papule.
The area becomes inflamed.
The bite causes irritation and severe itching.
Secondary infection resulting from the continuous scratching.
Body lice can be transmitted in clothing or bedding as well as by close physical contact. Direct contact with an affected person or their personal belongings can spread the lice from person to person, hence leading to infection of all the family members together.
For control of the problem:
Increase personal hygiene, bathing or showering regularly
Change and launder clothes, especially underwear, regularly, or dispose of affected clothing.
Launder clothing and blankets recently used by an infested person in hot water (greater than 70ºC). Preferably tumble dry or iron clothes with all seams turned outwards.
If clothes cannot be laundered or dry cleaned iron them, paying special attention to seams, or seal them in a white plastic bag for a month.
Avoid close contact with infested persons, their clothing and bedding.
Thoroughly vacuum mattresses paying attention to seams and creases, and under buttons.
Appropriate insecticide treatment in the form of local application of 5 % permethrin cream to all the affected person is to be given, This cream has to be applied at night all over the body below the neck, then left on skin for 12 hours and washed off the next morning.
Medication to reduce itching (antihistamines) and control secondary infection may also be required.
Pleas don’t worry as it is a totally treatable condition. I am sure that the above treatment will be of benefit to you.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be happy to help.
Take care.
Wishing you and your family speedy recovery.
Dr Geetika Paul