Do Head Lice Have a Hard Shell?

Head lice are parasitic insects that live in the head hair of humans. Their common locations are behind the ears and on the scalp, but they can also be found on the eyelashes and eyebrows. Although head lice are not known to spread disease, their presence can be distressing to parents and children. To avoid this, parents should check their children’s hair weekly.

The best way to identify lice is to look for their eggs. These are the first sign of an infestation. Adult head lice are tiny, about the size of a sesame seed. Nymphs are smaller still, and they can be blood red, clear, or black. The lice’s eggs, called nits, are small and glued to the hair follicle. Despite their small size, they are hard to remove, and they can cause secondary infections.

Adult head lice are two to three millimeters long, with six legs and claws. The most common host of head lice is a child. The average infested child has less than ten lice. The average infestation lasts about three to four weeks. During this time, the head lice will feed from the host every three to six hours. If the host stops feeding, the lice will die within a day or two.

Although head lice do not transmit disease, they can cause discomfort and sleeplessness. The itching can lead to excessive scratching, which increases the risk of secondary skin infection. The best way to detect a head lice infestation is to find a live louse on the scalp.