Head Lice (Symptoms,Causes and Treatment)

Head lice, scientifically known as Pediculus humanus capitis, are tiny parasitic insects that infest the human scalp and feed on blood from the scalp. Head lice infestations, also called pediculosis capitis, are relatively common, especially among children, but can affect people of all ages. They are not a sign of poor hygiene and can be found in individuals of any socioeconomic background.

Here’s some brief information about head lice:

1-Life Cycle: Head lice go through three stages in their life cycle: eggs (nits), nymphs, and adult lice. The eggs are tiny, oval-shaped, and attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nymphs are young lice that hatch from the eggs and mature into adult lice. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed and have a grayish-white or tan color.

2-Transmission: Head lice spread through direct head-to-head contact with an infested person. They cannot jump or fly but crawl quickly from one head to another. Transmission can also occur through sharing personal items such as hats, hairbrushes, combs, and towels.

3-Symptoms: Common symptoms of head lice infestation include intense itching of the scalp, tickling sensations, and a feeling of something moving in the hair. The itching is caused by the allergic reaction to the lice’s saliva after they bite the scalp to feed on blood.

4-Diagnosis: Head lice infestations are diagnosed by finding live lice or their eggs (nits) on the scalp or hair shafts. Nits are typically found close to the scalp and are tiny, white or yellowish, and firmly attached to the hair.

5-Treatment: Over-the-counter or prescription medicated shampoos, lotions, or creams containing insecticides are commonly used to treat head lice infestations. In addition to using the medication, combing the hair with a special fine-toothed lice comb can help remove the lice and nits.

6-Prevention: To prevent head lice infestations, it is essential to avoid head-to-head contact with individuals who have lice and to refrain from sharing personal items that come into contact with the hair.

7-Cleaning and Disinfection: It is not necessary to clean the entire home when dealing with head lice infestations. However, washing and drying clothing, bedding, and other items that have been in close contact with the infested person in hot water can help prevent re-infestation.

8-School and Community Settings: Schools and other institutions may have policies and guidelines in place to manage head lice infestations to prevent their spread among children.

It’s essential to address head lice infestations promptly to prevent their spread to others and to avoid potential complications from excessive scratching of the scalp, which can lead to skin infections. If you suspect a head lice infestation, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or a pharmacist can help determine the appropriate treatment and measures to manage the situation effectively.

This article covers the following topics :

Who does head lice affect?

Head lice, scientifically known as Pediculus humanus capitis, can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, head lice infestations are more commonly found in certain groups due to factors related to social behaviors and living conditions. Here are the groups of people who are more likely to be affected by head lice:

1-Children: Head lice infestations are most prevalent among young children, especially those in preschool and elementary school. This is because children often engage in close physical contact during play and may share personal items, such as hats, hairbrushes, and clothing, making it easier for head lice to spread from one child to another.

2-Family Members of Infested Individuals: Head lice can spread quickly within households, especially when family members share personal items and have close physical contact.

3-School and Childcare Settings: Schools and childcare facilities provide an environment where head lice can spread easily among children who spend time in close proximity to one another. While head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene, the conditions in schools and childcare settings can facilitate their transmission.

4-Teenagers: Although less common than in younger children, teenagers can still get head lice, particularly if they participate in activities or sports that involve close contact with others.

5-Women: Studies have shown that head lice infestations are slightly more common in females than in males, possibly due to factors related to hair length and hairstyles.

6-Individuals Living in Close Quarters: People living in crowded or close-quartered living conditions, such as college dormitories, military barracks, and refugee camps, may be at higher risk of head lice infestations due to the ease of transmission in such settings.

It’s important to note that head lice do not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, cleanliness, or personal hygiene. Anyone can get head lice, regardless of their living conditions or lifestyle. Head lice are not a sign of uncleanliness; they are simply parasitic insects that seek blood from the scalp as their source of nutrition.

If head lice are detected, it’s essential to take prompt action to treat the infestation and prevent its spread to others. Early detection and proper management are crucial in controlling head lice infestations and minimizing their impact on individuals and communities. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals or school authorities can provide valuable information and support when dealing with head lice infestations.

How common are head lice?

Head lice infestations are relatively common, especially among school-age children and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, an estimated 6 to 12 million infestations of head lice occur each year among children aged 3 to 11 years old.

Head lice infestations are found worldwide and are prevalent in both developed and developing countries. They are more common in settings where close physical contact is common, such as schools, childcare centers, and households.

While head lice are more commonly seen in children, they can affect people of all ages. Head lice do not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, personal hygiene, or cleanliness. Anyone who comes into close contact with an infested individual or shares personal items with them is at risk of getting head lice.

It’s important to remember that head lice infestations do not pose serious health risks, and they are not a sign of poor hygiene. However, they can be bothersome and cause itching and discomfort. Prompt detection and appropriate treatment are essential to control head lice infestations and prevent their spread to others.

Schools and childcare facilities often have policies and guidelines in place to manage head lice infestations and prevent their transmission among children. If you suspect a head lice infestation, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals or school authorities can help determine the appropriate treatment and measures to manage the situation effectively.

What are the symptoms of head lice?

The primary symptom of head lice infestation is intense itching of the scalp, which is often caused by an allergic reaction to the lice’s saliva when they bite the scalp to feed on blood. Not everyone with head lice experiences itching, but it is the most common and noticeable symptom. Other symptoms and signs of head lice infestation may include:

1-Tickling Sensations: Some individuals may feel a tickling or crawling sensation on the scalp, which is caused by the movement of the lice in the hair.

2-Visible Lice: Adult lice are small, about the size of a sesame seed, and have a grayish-white or tan color. They are usually found on the scalp, around the ears, and at the nape of the neck.

3-Nits (Lice Eggs): Nits are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that are firmly attached to the hair shafts near the scalp. They are usually yellowish or white in color and can be mistaken for dandruff but are harder to remove from the hair.

4-Red or Blue Spots on the Scalp: Due to lice bites, some individuals may develop small red or blue spots on the scalp.

5-Irritability and Difficulty Sleeping: Children with head lice may become irritable and have difficulty sleeping due to the itching and discomfort.

It’s essential to note that head lice do not transmit diseases, and their presence is not a sign of poor hygiene. They are simply parasitic insects that seek blood from the scalp as their source of nutrition.

If you suspect a head lice infestation, it’s crucial to check for live lice or nits on the scalp or hair shafts. Nits are usually found close to the scalp and are firmly attached to the hair. Adult lice may move quickly and may be more challenging to detect.

It’s important to address head lice infestations promptly to prevent their spread to others and to avoid potential complications from excessive scratching of the scalp, which can lead to skin infections. If you suspect head lice infestation or notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or a pharmacist can help determine the appropriate treatment and measures to manage the situation effectively.

How does a person get head lice?

Head lice are typically spread from person to person through direct head-to-head contact. The most common way head lice are transmitted is when an infested person’s hair comes into close contact with the hair of another individual. Lice cannot jump or fly, but they can crawl quickly from one hair strand to another when heads are in close proximity. They move by using their six legs and claws to hold onto hair strands.

In addition to head-to-head contact, head lice can also spread through the sharing of personal items that come into contact with the hair, such as:

1-Hats and Scarves: Sharing hats, scarves, or headbands with someone who has head lice can lead to lice transmission.

2-Hairbrushes and Combs: Using hairbrushes or combs that have been in contact with an infested person’s hair can spread lice.

3-Hair Accessories: Items like hair ties, hair clips, and barrettes can transfer lice if they have come into contact with infested hair.

4-Clothing and Bedding: While less common, head lice can also spread by sharing clothing (e.g., coats, jackets, and hoodies) and bedding (e.g., pillows and blankets) with someone who has head lice.

Head lice are highly contagious, especially in settings where people are in close contact with one another, such as schools, childcare centers, and households. They do not live on pets or other animals; they are specific to human hosts.

It’s important to note that head lice do not discriminate based on personal hygiene or cleanliness. They are simply parasitic insects seeking a source of nutrition from the human scalp. Anyone can get head lice, regardless of their living conditions or lifestyle.

To help prevent head lice infestations, it’s essential to avoid head-to-head contact with individuals who have lice and to refrain from sharing personal items that come into contact with the hair. Promptly addressing head lice infestations and taking preventive measures can help control their spread. If head lice are detected, seek guidance from healthcare professionals or school authorities to determine the appropriate treatment and measures to manage the situation effectively.

How does head lice spread?

Head lice spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact with an infested person. When an individual’s hair comes into close contact with the hair of someone who has head lice, the lice can crawl from one hair strand to another. Head lice do not have wings or the ability to jump or fly, but they move quickly by using their six legs and claws to hold onto hair strands.

Here’s how head lice spread:

1-Head-to-Head Contact: The most common way head lice are transmitted is through head-to-head contact. This can occur during various activities, such as playing, hugging, or leaning heads together.

2-Sharing Personal Items: Head lice can also spread when individuals share personal items that come into contact with the hair. Items such as hats, scarves, headbands, hairbrushes, combs, hair ties, hair clips, and barrettes can transfer lice from one person to another.

3-Clothing and Bedding: While less common, head lice can spread indirectly through sharing clothing (e.g., coats, jackets, and hoodies) and bedding (e.g., pillows and blankets) with someone who has head lice. However, lice do not survive long away from the human scalp, and their ability to spread through inanimate objects is limited.

4-Close Living Quarters: Head lice infestations are more likely to occur in settings where people are in close contact with one another, such as schools, childcare centers, and households.

It’s important to note that head lice do not live on pets or other animals; they are specific to human hosts. They are not a sign of poor hygiene and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

To help prevent head lice infestations, it’s crucial to avoid head-to-head contact with individuals who have lice and to refrain from sharing personal items that come into contact with the hair. Promptly addressing head lice infestations and taking preventive measures can help control their spread. If head lice are detected, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals or school authorities can help determine the appropriate treatment and measures to manage the situation effectively.

How do you find and diagnose head lice?

Finding and diagnosing head lice typically involves a visual inspection of the scalp and hair. It’s important to check for live lice and nits (lice eggs) to confirm the presence of head lice. Here are the steps to find and diagnose head lice:

1-Check in Good Lighting: Conduct the inspection in a well-lit area to make it easier to see the lice and nits.

2-Divide Hair into Sections: Part the hair into small sections using a comb or hair clips. This helps ensure a thorough examination of the entire scalp.

3-Look for Live Lice: Examine the scalp and hair carefully for moving lice. Adult lice are small, about the size of a sesame seed, and have a grayish-white or tan color. They are often found on the scalp, around the ears, and at the nape of the neck.

4-Identify Nits (Lice Eggs): Search for nits attached to the hair shafts, usually near the scalp. Nits are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that are usually yellowish or white. They may be mistaken for dandruff but are more difficult to remove from the hair.

5-Use a Fine-Toothed Lice Comb: Comb through the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb. Wetting the hair with water or a conditioner can help immobilize the lice and make them easier to comb out. Wipe the comb onto a white paper towel or tissue to check for lice or nits.

6-Distinguish Between Lice and Other Particles: Be cautious not to mistake dandruff, hair debris, or other particles for lice or nits. Lice move quickly, while nits are firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp.

If live lice or nits are found during the inspection, it confirms a head lice infestation. It’s essential to begin treatment promptly to control the infestation and prevent its spread to others.

It is recommended to check all members of the household and close contacts if one individual is found to have head lice. Additionally, schools and childcare centers may have specific guidelines on head lice screening and management.

If you are unsure about the presence of head lice or need assistance with diagnosis and treatment, seek guidance from healthcare professionals, school authorities, or a pharmacist. They can help confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options and preventive measures.

How do you treat head lice?

Treating head lice involves using medicated shampoos, lotions, or creams that contain insecticides to kill the lice and their eggs (nits). It’s essential to follow the treatment instructions carefully to ensure effective eradication of head lice. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to treat head lice:

1-Confirm the Diagnosis: Before starting treatment, ensure that head lice are present. Perform a thorough inspection of the scalp and hair to look for live lice and nits.

2-Choose a Medicated Product: There are over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications available for treating head lice. Common active ingredients in lice treatments include pyrethrins and permethrin (OTC) or malathion, benzyl alcohol, spinosad, ivermectin, or dimeticone (prescription). Follow the product’s instructions and any advice from your healthcare provider or pharmacist when selecting the appropriate treatment.

3-Apply the Medication: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for applying the medication to the scalp and hair. Some treatments require the hair to be dry, while others work better on damp hair. Be sure to cover the entire scalp and all hair, from the roots to the ends.

4-Leave the Medication on as Directed: The recommended time to leave the medication on the scalp and hair varies depending on the product used. Follow the specific instructions provided with the chosen treatment.

5-Rinse and Remove the Lice and Nits: After the specified time, rinse the medication from the hair. Using a fine-toothed lice comb, carefully comb through the hair to remove dead lice and nits. Comb from the roots to the ends, wiping the comb onto a white paper towel or tissue after each stroke to check for lice or nits. Repeat the combing process throughout the hair.

6-Retreat if Necessary: Some treatments may require a second application after a specific time period to ensure that any remaining lice or newly hatched nits are eliminated. Follow the instructions on the product label regarding re-treatment.

7-Wash Clothing and Bedding: Wash all clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, and towels that have been in contact with the infested person in hot water. Use the high heat setting of the dryer to dry these items.

8-Clean Personal Items: Items that cannot be washed, such as combs, brushes, and hair accessories, can be soaked in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) for 5-10 minutes.

9-Check and Treat Close Contacts: Check all members of the household and close contacts for head lice and treat if necessary.

10-Follow Up: Follow up with a healthcare provider if the treatment is not effective or if any symptoms persist after treatment.

Remember that it’s crucial to use head lice treatments as directed, and to avoid using excessive amounts or more frequent applications than recommended. Overuse of lice treatments can be harmful and does not improve their effectiveness.

If you have any concerns or questions about head lice treatment, consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance and support. They can help you select the most suitable treatment option for your specific situation.

How do I get rid of head lice with shampoo?

To get rid of head lice using medicated shampoo, follow these general steps. It’s important to carefully read and follow the specific instructions provided with the chosen lice shampoo product, as different products may have slightly different application methods and treatment durations.

Step-by-step guide to using lice shampoo:

1-Confirm the Diagnosis: Before using lice shampoo, make sure head lice are present. Perform a thorough inspection of the scalp and hair to look for live lice and nits (lice eggs).

2-Choose a Medicated Shampoo: Purchase a lice shampoo that contains either pyrethrins or permethrin, which are common over-the-counter (OTC) ingredients used to treat head lice. Some products may also contain other active ingredients like ivermectin or dimeticone. Follow the specific instructions provided with the product, including the appropriate age range for use.

3-Prepare the Hair: Before applying the shampoo, ensure the hair is dry or damp, as specified in the product instructions. If the hair is damp, towel-dry it first.

4-Apply the Shampoo: Follow the product instructions on the amount of shampoo to apply. Typically, you’ll apply enough to thoroughly cover the scalp and all hair, from the roots to the ends.

5-Massage and Leave In: Gently massage the shampoo into the scalp and hair. Leave the shampoo on the hair for the recommended time (usually 10 minutes, but it may vary depending on the product).

6-Rinse the Shampoo: After the specified time, thoroughly rinse the shampoo from the hair using warm water.

7-Remove Lice and Nits: While the hair is still wet, use a fine-toothed lice comb to carefully comb through the hair. Comb from the roots to the ends, wiping the comb onto a white paper towel or tissue after each stroke to check for lice or nits. Comb through the entire head of hair to remove dead lice and nits.

8-Repeat the Treatment if Necessary: Some lice shampoos may require a second application after a certain number of days to kill any remaining lice that might have hatched from surviving nits. Follow the product’s specific instructions regarding reapplication.

9-Wash and Clean Personal Items: Wash and dry all clothing, hats, scarves, bedding, and towels that have come into contact with the infested person using hot water. Soak combs, brushes, and hair accessories in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) for 5-10 minutes.

10-Check and Treat Close Contacts: Check all household members and close contacts for head lice and treat if necessary.

Remember to closely follow the instructions provided with the lice shampoo product and avoid using excessive amounts or more frequent applications than recommended. If you have any concerns or questions about head lice treatment, consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance and support. They can help you select the most suitable treatment option for your specific situation.

How can I prevent head lice?

Preventing head lice infestations involves taking certain precautions to reduce the risk of lice transmission. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the risk, following these preventive measures can help minimize the chances of getting head lice:

1-Avoid Head-to-Head Contact: Encourage children and family members to avoid head-to-head contact with others, especially in settings where lice transmission is more likely, such as schools, childcare centers, and playgrounds.

2-Educate Children: Teach children about the importance of not sharing personal items that come into contact with the hair, such as hats, scarves, hairbrushes, combs, hair ties, and hair accessories.

3-Use Personal Items: Encourage each family member to use their own personal items and avoid sharing them with others. Having designated personal items can help reduce the risk of lice transmission.

4-Regular Checks: Conduct regular head checks on family members, especially school-age children, to detect head lice early if they are present. Early detection can help prevent lice from spreading to others.

5-Tie Up Long Hair: For individuals with long hair, tying the hair up in a ponytail, braid, or bun can reduce the likelihood of direct contact with someone who has lice.

6-Avoid Sharing Clothing and Bedding: While less common, head lice can spread through shared clothing and bedding. Avoid sharing hats, scarves, coats, jackets, hoodies, and bedding with others, especially in situations where close contact is likely.

7-Keep Personal Belongings Separate: If you or your child participate in activities that require sharing helmets, headphones, or other items that touch the head, use disposable or personal barriers (e.g., disposable shower caps, fabric helmet liners) to minimize direct contact.

8-Educate Others: Inform your child’s school or childcare center about any head lice cases promptly. This helps school staff take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of lice.

9-Regularly Clean and Disinfect: While head lice do not survive long away from the human scalp, washing clothing, hats, scarves, and bedding in hot water and using the high heat setting of the dryer can help reduce the risk of lice transmission.

10-Consider Preventive Products: There are some over-the-counter products, such as lice repellent sprays and shampoos, that claim to help prevent head lice infestations. However, their effectiveness may vary, and it’s essential to follow the product instructions carefully.

While these preventive measures can reduce the risk of head lice infestations, it’s essential to remember that no method is foolproof. If head lice are detected or suspected, seek guidance from healthcare professionals or school authorities to determine the appropriate treatment and measures to manage the situation effectively.

What can I expect if I have head lice?

If you have head lice, you can expect the following:

1-Intense Itching: The most common symptom of head lice is intense itching of the scalp. This itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the lice’s saliva when they bite the scalp to feed on blood. Not everyone with head lice experiences itching, but it is a common and noticeable symptom.

2-Tickling Sensations: Some individuals may feel a tickling or crawling sensation on the scalp due to the movement of the lice in the hair.

3-Visible Lice: Adult lice are small, about the size of a sesame seed, and have a grayish-white or tan color. They are usually found on the scalp, around the ears, and at the nape of the neck. If you inspect your scalp and hair carefully, you may be able to see the lice moving.

4-Nits (Lice Eggs): Nits are tiny, oval-shaped eggs that are firmly attached to the hair shafts near the scalp. They are usually yellowish or white and can be mistaken for dandruff but are harder to remove from the hair.

5-Irritability and Discomfort: Children with head lice may become irritable and have difficulty sleeping due to the itching and discomfort.

It’s important to note that head lice do not transmit diseases, and their presence is not a sign of poor hygiene. Anyone can get head lice, regardless of their living conditions or lifestyle.

If you suspect a head lice infestation or notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s crucial to perform a thorough examination of the scalp and hair to look for live lice and nits. Promptly addressing head lice infestations and taking appropriate measures can help control the infestation and prevent its spread to others.

To get rid of head lice, you can use medicated shampoos, lotions, or creams that contain insecticides. Follow the specific instructions provided with the chosen lice treatment product and use a fine-toothed lice comb to remove dead lice and nits from the hair. Additionally, wash and clean personal items that may have come into contact with lice.

If you have any concerns or questions about head lice treatment or diagnosis, consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for guidance and support. They can help you select the most suitable treatment option and provide additional information on managing head lice infestations.

How long does head lice last?

The duration of a head lice infestation can vary depending on various factors, including the effectiveness of treatment, the presence of viable nits (lice eggs), and potential re-exposure to lice. Here are some key points to consider:

1-Life Cycle of Lice: Head lice go through three stages in their life cycle: eggs (nits), nymphs, and adult lice. Nits are laid by adult female lice and are attached to the hair shafts near the scalp. Nymphs are young lice that hatch from the eggs and mature into adult lice. The entire life cycle takes about 3-4 weeks.

2-Egg Incubation Period: Nits take about 7-10 days to hatch and release nymphs. If viable nits remain after treatment, new lice can hatch from them, leading to re-infestation.

3-Treatment Effectiveness: The effectiveness of lice treatment is essential in determining how long a head lice infestation lasts. If the treatment is successful in killing both adult lice and nits, the infestation can be resolved relatively quickly. However, if the treatment is not entirely effective, new lice may continue to hatch from viable nits, prolonging the infestation.

4-Re-Exposure to Lice: If an individual is re-exposed to head lice after successfully treating the initial infestation, a new infestation may occur. Avoiding close contact with individuals who have head lice and refraining from sharing personal items can help prevent re-exposure.

5-Early Detection and Treatment: Detecting and treating head lice infestations early can significantly shorten the duration of the infestation and reduce the risk of spreading lice to others.

6-Household and Close Contacts: If one person in a household or close-knit group has head lice, it’s essential to check and, if necessary, treat all household members and close contacts to prevent the spread of lice.

In general, with effective treatment and proper management, a head lice infestation can be resolved within a few weeks. However, it’s essential to continue checking for lice and nits in the days following treatment to ensure that the infestation has been fully eradicated.

If you or someone you know has head lice, follow the treatment instructions carefully, and if necessary, seek guidance from healthcare professionals or school authorities to determine the appropriate measures to manage the situation effectively.

When can my child go back to school after having head lice?

The guidelines for when a child can return to school after having head lice may vary depending on the specific policies of the school or childcare center. However, in many cases, children can return to school after they have started appropriate head lice treatment. Here are some general points to consider:

1-Treatment Initiation: As soon as head lice are detected, begin the appropriate treatment to eliminate the infestation. Follow the instructions provided with the chosen lice treatment product.

2-Check and Treat Close Contacts: Check all household members and close contacts for head lice and treat them if necessary. This step helps prevent the spread of lice to others.

3-Rinsing the Treatment: After the treatment’s specified time, rinse the product from the hair following the manufacturer’s instructions.

4-Removing Lice and Nits: Use a fine-toothed lice comb to carefully remove dead lice and nits from the hair. Comb through the entire head of hair.

5-Check for Nits: Check the scalp and hair for any remaining viable nits (lice eggs). If viable nits are found, ensure that the treatment includes a follow-up application, as some products may require a second treatment after a certain number of days to kill newly hatched lice.

6-Notify the School: Inform the school or childcare center about your child’s head lice infestation. Many schools have specific protocols for managing head lice cases and will appreciate being notified.

7-School Policy: Follow the school’s policy on head lice. Some schools may require a child to stay home for the remainder of the school day after treatment, while others may allow the child to return to school after treatment has been initiated.

8-No-Nit Policies: Some schools may have “no-nit” policies, meaning they require all nits to be removed before a child can return to school. Check the school’s policy to see if this applies.

9-Educational Support: If the school requires a child to stay home for a specific period or until all nits are removed, ensure that your child receives any necessary educational support during their absence.

10-Preventive Measures: Encourage your child to avoid head-to-head contact with others and not share personal items that come into contact with the hair to reduce the risk of re-infestation.

Remember that each school or childcare center may have its own specific guidelines for managing head lice cases. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s return to school after head lice treatment, it’s best to communicate with the school staff and follow their recommendations. This will help ensure that your child’s return is in line with the school’s policies and guidelines.