Can Head Lice Hurt You?
WouterIf you have head lice, you may be wondering, “Can head lice hurt you?” If so, you are not alone. Thousands of people are affected by this disease, and there are ways to get rid of them. First of all, you should know how they spread. Lice can be transferred to other people through close head-to-head contact. The best way to prevent them is to treat them as soon as you notice them. This is particularly important for children, who should not have head-to-head contact with other children or parents. You can also try putting your hair in buns, braids, or a ponytail.
Head lice often produce itching and scabs on the scalp. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva secreted by the louse. Itching and scratching may lead to secondary bacterial infections, which can lead to abscesses or pustules.
Adult head lice are one-eighth of an inch long and are gray or white. They live for about 30 days and can be either male or female. Females are larger than males and lay around eight eggs a day. They appear darker when their host has darker hair. Head lice also inject saliva into the skin, causing an allergic itching sensation. It is not unusual for this itching to begin a few days after the infestation has begun.
Head lice treatments are widely available over the counter or prescribed. However, you should seek the advice of a physician or pharmacist before trying any of these treatments. Prescription products are usually effective, but they should only be used as directed. Medicated products should not be applied more than once, as it may cause skin irritation or the absorption of toxic quantities of the drug. Also, the products may not kill the nits. If you use medicated shampoos, don’t wash laundry on high temperatures.
