How Can Head Lice Transfer From Pillows?

While it may be impossible to prevent head lice from transferring from one person to another, there are some things you can do to reduce the risk of catching them. One of the easiest ways is to treat your bedding. Lice can live for up to 24 hours on beddings, so it is important to make sure that your bedding is clean before you hand it over.

Lice need the human blood to survive and feed, so laying your head on a pillow that has lice on it is an easy way to spread the infection to another person. The chances of passing on head lice to your pillow are very low, but they do exist. Pets can also carry lice eggs, but the chances are extremely small.

It is important to wash beddings in hot water if you suspect your home has head lice. Pillows and duvets can not be washed in small washing machines, so use a washing machine with a big cycle. The hot water kills the lice within five minutes. It is also advisable to run your bedding through the tumble dryer. Once you have finished washing, bag it for two weeks.

It is important to make sure that you wash all bedding items after a lice outbreak. This way, you’ll minimize the chances of getting the lice again. You can also purchase a pillow protector that will keep your bedding free from lice.