Head Lice - What Are They and How Do They Get Into Your Hair?

Head lice are tiny bugs that live in the hair and scalp. The larva is a white to gray color and has six legs. They lay their eggs on the hair shaft, which is near the scalp, where the temperature is ideal for them to hatch. The lice can also be found in the hair itself, where they look like dandruff. Lice are hard to see with the naked eye, but you can use a magnifying glass to check for tiny lice.

Despite their small size, head lice can spread very quickly. This is one reason that parents should always inspect their child’s hair regularly, as young children tend to put their heads together and share hair bows. Also, treating your child as soon as you suspect they have head lice is the best way to protect them from the disease.

The first step in the treatment is to change pillowcases. Changing pillowcases will help to kill the eggs and lice. Make sure you wash them in hot water and use a hot clothes dryer. Repeat the process as needed until you are absolutely lice-free. Then, you should consult a dermatologist if you find that the problem persists.

Human head lice are classified by their genetic makeup. They come from different locations, but they have a common ancestor. The main differences between the two types of lice can be traced back to where they originated. For instance, head lice originated in North America and spread throughout Europe and Australia. It is estimated that head lice separated from body lice 100,000 years ago.