Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects, infecting the hair by living and feeding on the blood from the scalp. An infestation of lice triggers intense itching of the scalp, but doesn’t cause serious medical problems. Head lice are commonly found in close, overcrowded areas, spreading easily among family members and children.
Close Contact
Lice are not a result of bad personal hygiene or from an unclean environment. According to the Mayo Clinic, head lice infestations are most commonly caused by close contact or head-to-head contact with someone who has lice. Lice are wingless and can’t fly or jump, nor are they spread by pets; therefore, head lice easily spread in school children as they interact and play closely together. An infection of head lice usually causes itching of the scalp. Small, red bumps appear where the lice are found. Eggs (nits) from the insects are located at the bottom of each hair infected and are tiny, often mistaken for dandruff. Although dandruff flakes off, the nits remain. Lice live around 30 days on a human and the nits live for more than two weeks, states Medline Plus. Treating head lice appropriately consists of removing the nits with special over-the-counter shampoos or lotions, and by combing through the hair. Follow the directions on the products and use exactly as specified. Consult a doctor if the in-store treatments are ineffective; the doctor may prescribe stronger medication. Medline Plus recommends starting treatment even if only one egg exists.
Personal Items
Head lice infections are caused by sharing lice-infested personal items such as caps and scarves, reports the Mayo Clinic. Other items known for transmitting head lice are brushes, combs, hair decorations, headphones, and clothing. Nits can survive off the human body for a short period of time. Washing infected items in hot water and detergent prevent the spread of lice. Medline Plus recommends not sharing personal items, especially with someone already infected with lice.
Furnishings
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, coming in contact with home furnishings contaminated with lice cause head lice. Home furnishings such as towels, blankets, pillows and upholstered furniture commonly spread lice. Lice are killed with appropriate treatment considering all the necessary steps are followed at home. For instance, wash all furnishings with hot water and detergent, repeating if necessary. Insufficient treatment of the source, such as not properly cleaning all infected furnishings, enables a recurrence of head lice, warns Medline Plus.
