Are Head Lice Bad For Your Hair?

Luckily, there are many products that kill head lice without harming your hair. However, lice products are often a bit unpleasant to use, especially for children, and they can irritate the skin on your scalp. It is therefore best to use these products with care. To use the right product, make sure to read the label.

A head louse is a tiny, gray or tan insect that feeds on the human blood on the scalp. Its eggs are attached to hair shafts, which are about one quarter of an inch (5 millimeters) away from the scalp. The eggs hatch after about six to nine days and take about 2 weeks to develop into adult lice. The eggs themselves look like dandruff, but they are not easily removed.

Head lice are not dangerous or contagious, but they can be hard to spot. To check for head lice, wear a pair of gloves and examine your scalp under bright light. The best light source is full sunlight or the brightest light in your home. You can also use a magnifying glass if necessary. Part your hair all the way down to the scalp, and look for moving lice. If you find any head lice, treat them immediately.

If you suspect that you have a head lice infestation, you may want to consult a doctor. Medicated head lice treatments are available over-the-counter or prescription and are applied to the affected area. These products must be applied correctly to kill any surviving lice. Some prescription or over-the-counter head lice products require retreatment after a few days to be effective.

Continue reading:

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