Does Head Lice Make You Itchy?
WouterIf you’ve ever had head lice, you know that they can make you very itchy. Lice are tiny insects that feed on blood. Their bites may be irritating and painful, but many people are not allergic. Moreover, the itchy feeling is often worse at night, when the bugs are active. In addition to itching, you may also have red bumps or nits on your head. Nits are the eggs of lice that are attached to your hair. Unlike the live bugs, these eggs are not easily shaken off and will stay in place on your scalp.
If you think you may have head lice, you should take steps to prevent further spreading of the infection. This includes washing and drying your clothes regularly and covering furniture with a plastic drop cloth. This is important because lice can spread from person to person and is highly contagious. Also, you must avoid sharing hats and stuffed animals with other children. You should wash personal items thoroughly in hot water and dry them thoroughly. If you can’t wash them, you can always seal them in a plastic bag and leave them out of reach for at least two weeks.
It’s important to remember that psychosomatic itching can be a sign of other health problems and should be treated as such. Often, the itchiness is caused by a mental health issue or anxiety. If you’re experiencing these conditions, you may want to consult a dermatologist or GP for a diagnosis and treatment.
