How Do Head Lice Get in Your Hair?
WouterHead lice are tiny parasites that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They usually live behind the ears and close to the scalp, but they can also be found on the eyelashes and eyebrows. If you have these critters in your hair, you will notice an itching sensation and a tickling sensation. It can also be difficult to sleep at night.
Lice are two to three millimeters long and are gray or white in color. They lack wings and have six legs. They can latch on to your hair and stay attached to it for up to 30 days. Once they fall off, they die within a day or two. Head lice are difficult to detect at first, but if you notice an itching sensation, you should try to treat it as soon as possible.
Head lice are usually spread through head-to-head contact, but they can be spread through clothing and other belongings. While the risk of a louse hopping onto your furniture or carpet is small, it’s still a risk you shouldn’t take. Taking care of a head lice infestation can help prevent it from spreading to others. Head lice are contagious and can cause itching and sores on your scalp.
In the early stages, the best way to prevent head lice is to avoid sharing personal items and avoid physical contact with people who have them. Once you find lice, treat the whole family, including your child. Keeping your children from sharing hats, stuffed animals, and other items with other people can be very effective in preventing the spread of the parasite. You should also wash all personal items with hot water and dry on a hot cycle in the dryer. In addition, you should always keep your child’s clothing and stuffed animals in a plastic bag for at least two weeks, to prevent the transmission of the disease to others.
