Lice are small, wingless parasites that won't harm you, but can be very irritating. Many people have misconceptions about what these little insects do and that's where the fear comes from. These creatures live on the human scalp and in the hair and can be transmitted from person to person, but not always in the way we think. Certain people are more likely to get head lice than others with children being at the greatest risk. Yet, treatment is available and it is not very difficult. It just takes diligence on your part to ensure the lice are gone the first time around. Repeat infestations are not fun.
Head lice live mainly on the scalp and neck hairs of a human being. They do not burrow into the scalp as many people believe. These parasites use their six legs to glue themselves to the hair shaft so it can be difficult to remove them. Children, especially those between the ages of three and twelve, are the most likely hosts although anyone, adults included, can get them. Girls are more susceptible than boys and Caucasians are more at risk than other races. Lice is mainly passed from person to person through head to head contact, although they can be passed along when people share combs, hats or hair accessories. Yet, this does not mean that you suffer from poor hygiene as anyone can get lice.
Head lice must feed a minimum of once a day in order to survive. Although you may only have approximately a dozen active lice on the head at any one time, each creature can lay up to six eggs a day. It takes eight days for an egg to hatch and then nine to twelve days for the new lice to become an adults. Hundreds more may be present on your head in the form of viable, dead or hatched eggs. The only time treatment becomes necessary is when active lice or viable eggs are observed.
Many treatment methods can be used to kill head lice. You may wish to try medicated shampoos, cream rinses or lotions that you purchase over-the-counter. In the event these do not work, your doctor may be able to prescribe a prescription treatment. Many home remedies are also available that may work for your situation. With any treatment, be sure to follow the directions exactly so you don't do more harm than good.
Head lice live mainly on the scalp and neck hairs of a human being. They do not burrow into the scalp as many people believe. These parasites use their six legs to glue themselves to the hair shaft so it can be difficult to remove them. Children, especially those between the ages of three and twelve, are the most likely hosts although anyone, adults included, can get them. Girls are more susceptible than boys and Caucasians are more at risk than other races. Lice is mainly passed from person to person through head to head contact, although they can be passed along when people share combs, hats or hair accessories. Yet, this does not mean that you suffer from poor hygiene as anyone can get lice.
Head lice must feed a minimum of once a day in order to survive. Although you may only have approximately a dozen active lice on the head at any one time, each creature can lay up to six eggs a day. It takes eight days for an egg to hatch and then nine to twelve days for the new lice to become an adults. Hundreds more may be present on your head in the form of viable, dead or hatched eggs. The only time treatment becomes necessary is when active lice or viable eggs are observed.
Many treatment methods can be used to kill head lice. You may wish to try medicated shampoos, cream rinses or lotions that you purchase over-the-counter. In the event these do not work, your doctor may be able to prescribe a prescription treatment. Many home remedies are also available that may work for your situation. With any treatment, be sure to follow the directions exactly so you don't do more harm than good.
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