Can Head Lice Move From Head to Body?
WouterIf you suspect that you may have head lice, you should start by washing your clothes and bedding. Then, rinse them thoroughly and dry them on the highest heat setting. Then, place them in a plastic bag and keep them there for two weeks. This will help kill the lice and prevent them from reinfesting. Afterward, it’s important to wash your hair and clothing again and to wear clean clothes.
Although it is very rare for lice to move from head to body, they can spread from one person to another via clothing and hair. This can happen if you share bedding and clothing with someone who has head lice. However, if you think you might have head lice, see a doctor right away.
You should also check the hair of the others in the household to see if they have the lice. If you do, treat them the same day. Most people can go back to their normal activities after a single treatment. Unlike some types of parasites, head lice are generally harmless. Usually, the lice stay close to the scalp, behind the ears and on eyelashes and eyebrows.
Adult head lice are small grayish-white insects with six legs. They are about two to three millimeters long. They are grayish-white and tan. They hatch from nits and feed on blood on the scalp for nine to twelve days. Adult lice will not move from the head to the body, but their presence is often visible on other parts of the body. While you might not experience any symptoms right away, you should still consult a doctor if you notice any signs of head lice.
