How Do Head Lice Damage Hair?

If you think you might have head lice, you’re not alone. Many children, including young adults, suffer from the infestation. Lice, which are parasitic in nature, live on the scalp and may infest eyelashes and eyebrows. These little insects feed off the blood of human hosts. It’s not unusual for lice to live on the scalp for days, weeks, or even months. Infestations are most common in children and their families.

Having head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene or social status. They cause intense itching, but do not carry any diseases or cause health problems. While head lice damage hair, they do not cause severe damage to your tresses. If you catch them early enough, you can prevent damage to your hair.

Adult head lice are about one-eighth of an inch long and six-legged. They feed on the human blood on the scalp and lay their eggs on the hair shafts less than a quarter-inch (5 millimeters) away from the scalp. The eggs hatch after about six to nine days and the nymphs live for about three to four weeks. They lay about six to 10 eggs a day.

If you suspect your child has head lice, there are many over-the-counter treatments available. Generally, these work well, but you should always consult a physician if your child has experienced lice infestation. In some cases, a doctor can prescribe stronger drugs.