How Do Head Lice Affect Adults?

There are many different factors that can cause head lice to infest adults, but the most common way is through direct contact with an infested child. For example, if a mom is infected with lice, she is likely to pass them on to other members of her family. Indirect transmission can occur through sharing of items. However, this does not usually occur.

Head lice are caused by a parasite on human blood. They live close to the scalp and behind the ears. Sometimes they can also live on the eyebrows and eyelashes. Adult lice are able to survive for 2 days after they are removed from the scalp. The eggs that are left behind are not a cause for reinfestation.

If you suspect that you might have head lice, your best bet is to wash your clothing and bedding in hot water with detergent. You should also avoid sharing personal items such as hats and stuffed animals. Make sure to wash these items in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer. If you cannot wash your clothes or personal items, you should put them in a plastic bag and wait two weeks before wearing them. You can also wash your hairbrushes in hot water to kill lice.

Although lice treatments are widely available in drug stores, you should consult your doctor before using any of them. You may need to be treated with stronger medicines if you have been in contact with a child infested with head lice.