Licealiz Rolls Out Nationwide Kilusang Kontra Kuto Year 3

As pediculosis capitis or head lice infestation continues to be a concern in public schools in the Philippines, Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz has led the nationwide rollout of Kilusang Kontra Kuto or KKK.

As a part of the mission to create a kuto¬-free Philippines, Kilusang Kontra Kuto, a coalition of head lice prevention experts and advocates led by Lamoiyan Corporation’s Licealiz, the Department of Education or DepEd, UP Manila College of Public Health, Mommy Bloggers Philippines, and Drugstores Association of the Philippines, was created. Now on its third year, they want to make its impact bigger and its reach wider in order to eliminate kuto by educating the public about the problem. They will be visiting different schools in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

According to a study conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the University of the Philippines, head lice infestation is still considered as the second most common health problem in public schools in the Philippines next to tooth decay. While it may not be a fatal condition, attention must still be given to this persistent condition which commonly found in school children.

Here are some problems that head lice can cause if left untreated:

It can cause other serious infections.

The surface of our skin is filled with different kinds of bacteria. According to Dr. Arlene Bertuso from University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health, while lice itself can’t cause infections, “severe scratching caused by allergic reactions to the insects’ saliva can cause the scalp to break, therefore increasing the chance of a secondary bacterial infection.”

It can decrease self-confidence in a child and the parents.

Head lice or kuto often has a negative connotation due to its association with poor hygiene and low social status, which can cause a child to lose confidence, especially around his or her peers. However, the child isn’t the only one affected as the parents can also experience loss of confidence. Parents whose child has been infected with head lice feel embarrassed since they feel like they exhibited poor parenting by letting their child get head lice infestation.

It decreases academic or work productivity.

Itchiness and inflammation are effects from the bites of head lice. The irritation caused by the bites of the head lice can disrupt concentration in school or at work, hence affecting productivity. It can also cause loss of sleep, which can then lead to irritability, short attention span and lack of focus. In addition to that, “it dramatically affects the school performance of children because of the discomfort and social stigma it causes,” as stated in the study by DepEd and the University of the Philippines.

Misinformation can cause more damage.

Myths and superstitions are already ingrained in Filipino culture and society. Kuto is surrounded by several of these myths and misconceptions that can be harmful to the infested such as the use of mayonnaise or kerosene and wrapping the child’s head with plastic overnight. Contrary to popular belief, lice can also be acquired at any age and by any gender. Incorrect information like these can lead to untreated head lice, which can spread quickly to the whole family or to the whole class simply through physical contact with one infested person.

Head lice is often overlooked or disregarded despite its many negative impacts, but this problem can be solved with correct information and appropriate control methods. Licealiz Head Lice Treatment Shampoo is an effective solution to eliminate and prevent head lice.