Head lice are small, harmless but itchy insects that spread easily in close-contact settings like schools, and while they cause discomfort, they are treatable with over-the-counter shampoos, combing, and proper cleaning of personal items.
Just hearing the word makes me itch. However, lice is nothing to be afraid of…and it is easily treatable. Now that school is in session, having a bunch of kids in close proximity spreads all sorts viruses, and in some cases, head lice. Here is what you need to know about the pesky little insect, where it comes from, why we get it, and how to get rid of it!Pediculosis capitis, or head lice, is a sesame-seed-sized, 6 legged, wingless, grayish insect that feeds on the scalp every 4-6 hours. They move by grasping hairs close to the scalp, and can crawl up to 12 inches/day. They lay nits (eggs) on the hair, just near the scalp. The young lice hatch within 1 week, passing through the nymph stages, and maturing into adults over a period of one week. One female can lay 50-150 eggs during a 16-day lifespan.Lice outbreaks occur in communities where many people live in close proximity to each other. Lice move by head-to-head contact, shared hats, caps, brushes, combs, pillows, and coats/jackets (such as in schools). It can even transfer in theater seats. Fortunately, the louse is not a vector for infectious disease (such as fleas carrying the plague).Symptoms include itching on the back and sides of the scalp. With a current infestation, the nits are close to the scalp. If the infestation has been present longer, they may be 1-2 inches off the scalp. New eggs have a creamy yellow color, while empty shells are white. Secondary reactions to the bites of lice include hives, eczema, and dermatitis. The itching may extend onto the neck, forehead, face or ears.
Lice only survive off the scalp for a few hours, so treatment is relatively simple. Purchase an over-the-counter lice shampoo, wash as directed and comb out the little eggs and shells with the small toothed comb. Wrap up bedding, frequently used jackets/coats and hats in a plastic bag, and place it in the garage for a few days. Then launder them on high heat. You may need to repeat this process in another week. If the lice are not going away, or you are seeing more eggs despite frequent washing, it’s best to see your health care provider for a prescription.
