Head Lice - Did Head Lice Come From Trees?

One recent study examined the evolutionary history of lice. It found that the parasites originated in an ancient mammalian ancestor that picked up the tiny parasites from bird. Scientists believe that this ancestor kicked off the remarkable relationship between lice and mammals. But how did lice get to be so common? Scientists are still working to find the answers. The research on lice can help us better understand the evolution of humans.

Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans. These insects have six legs and are about the size of a sesame seed. They are usually found in the scalp and behind the ears. The nymphs must feed on blood to grow and develop. They live for about 30 days on a human’s head before dying. In that time, the females lay six eggs daily.

If you suspect that your child has head lice, the best thing to do is to visit a doctor. A doctor can confirm whether your child has lice and help you find a cure. You should also inform your child’s school or daycare center if you have found lice. It is important to treat all affected people immediately.

You can also buy topical insecticides that are approved for treating head lice. These products come in various forms and have active ingredients. These products can be applied to the affected area, but none of them are 100% ovicidal. If you want to get rid of head lice permanently, you’ll need to follow up with a second treatment. There are two types of topical treatments: permethrin 5% lotion and malathion lotion.