Head Lice

Head lice are very tiny, parasitic insects. They inhabit the hair and scalp of humans. Head lice feed only on human blood, which they require for nourishment. Despite common misconceptions, head lice can affect people of all ages, rich or poor. Head lice do not reflect one's socioeconomic status or social class. Furthermore, head lice are not signs of uncleanliness. Regular washing of the body or hair will not prevent head lice.

Although head lice can infest humans of any age, they most commonly occur among children that have close contact with each other at school and at play. Head-to-head contact with an already infested person is the most common way to get head lice. Head-to-head contact is common during play at school, at home, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, and camp).

Uncommonly, head lice may be spread by sharing clothing or belongings onto which lice or nits may have crawled or fallen. Examples include: sharing clothing (hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms) or articles (hair ribbons, barrettes, combs, brushes, towels, stuffed animals) recently worn or used by an infested person; or lying on a bed, couch, pillow, or carpet that has recently been in contact with an infested person. The risk of getting an infestation by a louse or nit that has fallen onto a carpet or furniture is very small. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not play a role in the spread of human lice.

Signs and symptoms of a head lice infestation include;

• Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair.
• Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the head louse.
• Irritability and difficulty sleeping. Head lice are most active in the dark.
• Sores on the head caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria found on the person's skin.

Treatment for head lice is recommended for persons with an active infestation (live lice and/or nits (eggs) ¼ inch from the scalp. All household members and other close contacts should be checked. Those persons with evidence of an active infestation should be treated. Treating head lice takes time and work.

• Choose a product to treat and kill the lice (an over-the-counter or prescription medicated shampoo or lotion).
• Follow the directions on the head lice product exactly.
• Remove the nits (eggs). The nits are usually off white in color and are attached to the hair by a cement-like substance.
• Wash using very hot water (130° F) all clothing, combs, brushes, towels and bed linens used by the person with head lice.
• All upholstered furniture, pillows, rugs, etc., should be thoroughly vacuumed. After all vacuuming is complete, place vacuum bag in a sealed trash bag and dispose of outside your home.
• Non-washable items (pillows, stuffed animals, etc.) may be treated in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes or stored in a sealed bag for two weeks.
• No treatment is 100 percent effective against both lice and nits (eggs.) Eggs that remain may hatch in seven to 10 days. Frequent examination of the hair and scalp during this time is needed so that any newly hatched lice may be found quickly and eliminated.

Head lice are big inconveniences, typically requiring weeks of periodic intervention and surveillance to combat an infestation. The whole experience of having head lice can be very frustrating, particularly to parents and caregivers.  Address the issue of head lice.  Do not avoid it by ignoring it. Immediate actions are needed to stop the spread of head lice.

For more information click here to visit the CDC Website.

What Should I do If My Child Gets Lice? click here.