What common secondary infection should parents be taught to identify in cases of head lice?

When addressing head lice infestations, it is essential for parents to be aware of the potential for secondary infections that may result from scratching the scalp due to itching. Among these, impetigo is a particularly important condition to recognize.

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection that typically manifests as red sores or blisters, often around the nose and mouth but can also occur on the scalp. In the case of head lice, the constant scratching can breach the skin barrier, creating an entry point for bacteria which can lead to the development of impetigo. Parents should be instructed to monitor their children for signs of irritation, redness, or any oozing from scratched areas, as these may indicate a secondary infection like impetigo.

In contrast, other conditions listed, such as eczema, cellulitis, and folliculitis, while they may also be relevant skin concerns, do not have the same direct link to head lice scratching. Eczema is a chronic condition characterized by inflamed skin, cellulitis is a deeper skin infection that usually requires a more significant injury or disruption to the skin, and folliculitis involves inflammation of hair follicles, which is less commonly associated with scratching from lice. Therefore, focusing on identifying impetigo equips