Can Head Lice Bite Skin?

Head lice are a common problem among young children. They can be transmitted easily by close contact in school and daycare settings. Infestations can also spread to close family members, so treatment is necessary to protect yourself and your children. In most cases, you can treat lice with over-the-counter products, although some products can be less effective against certain types of infestations. Alternatively, you can see a health care provider who can prescribe medication for treatment.

Lice bites usually appear under the hair, but they can also be seen along the nape of the neck or behind the ears. The bites can be very itchy, as the lice’s saliva is very irritating. Some people may experience a tickling or itching sensation in the affected area, and a person may also have trouble sleeping.

It is important to note that the bites will heal after a few days. Treatment alone will not eradicate the lice infestation; you must eliminate the source of the infestation. You can purchase topical medications that kill live lice and kill their eggs. These medications include permethrin and pyrethrins, which are natural extracts from chrysanthemum flowers. The products work by killing live lice, and should be applied to damp or dry hair. Then, you should let them dry for about half an hour.

When a person contracts head lice, the lice will lay eggs. The nits hatch in eight to nine days. The nits develop into nymphs, which feed on human blood. They can live for up to 30 days as long as they have access to blood. But if they are not fed, adult lice will die after 48 to 72 hours.