Lice have existed for as long as humans. While some types can live elsewhere on the body, the most common species lives in the hair on the head. Head lice consume blood from the scalp, and this feeding is what makes a person itch.
While anyone can contract lice, they are particularly common in children who attend preschools or elementary schools. It is important to note that having lice is not a sign of poor hygiene.
In this article, learn more about how people get lice.
Causes
Lice can spread through physical contact. They cannot fly or jump, but they can crawl from one head to another. This can happen when people’s strands of hair meet during close contact.
Researchers are unsure where lice originated, but they know that lice have affected primates for at least 25 million years, eventually spreading to humans.
Head lice only affect humans, and they will not jump onto pets or other animals.
Lice can also travel on objects that have touched the head. A person may get lice after sharing objects such as hats or towels.
However, lice cannot survive long without feeding. They must move to a new head within around 24 hours, or they will die.
Nymphs, which are young lice, can only survive for a few hours outside of a human scalp.
Many effective medications can eradicate lice. A doctor or pharmacist can help a person to choose the best method of treatment.
Standard treatments include over-the-counter (OTC) liquids, shampoos, and lotions called pediculicides. These products contain medication that kills the lice.
The packaging will include instructions about how long to leave the product on the hair, and it is important to follow these guidelines.
After 12 hours, a person can use a very fine comb, known as a nit comb, to remove the dead eggs and lice.
To do this, part the hair into sections. Comb from the roots of the hair to the tips, until all the lice are gone.
In some cases, prescription treatments are necessary. These medications, such as spinosad or malathion, are much stronger than OTC varieties. Doctors only recommend them when OTC methods have not worked.
When to see a doctor
Lice are not harmful, but they are highly contagious and can be uncomfortable. If a person has symptoms of lice or notices these in a child, they should seek treatment. OTC medications are often effective.
Treatment commonly fails if a person does not remove all the lice within a few inches of the scalp. This can lead to reinfestation.
If a person has used medication correctly and the lice remain, they should ask a doctor about prescription-strength treatments. Do not use a second OTC medication if the first has failed.
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