How Long Head Lice Eggs Live
WouterIf you have ever wondered how long head lice eggs live, you aren’t alone. Head lice are tiny parasites that live on the scalp of humans. While they can survive without a human head for up to 24 hours, they cannot survive for more than 24 hours off the human host. Female louse eggs hatch in seven to ten days and mature in about a week. When they hatch, the louse will lay 3-5 eggs per day. Unlike other parasites, head lice cannot be “caught” from pets. This is because they are human parasites and require human blood to survive.
Head lice eggs are not able to hatch unless they are in a similar environment to the scalp. Usually, the eggs of head lice will die within a week if they are not kept in an ideal environment. They require the same temperature, humidity, and temperature range as the scalp to incubate properly. In addition, the newly emerged nymphs would die within a few hours if there was no blood to feed on.
If you suspect that your child has head lice, the first step is to contact a pediatrician. The doctors can prescribe an appropriate treatment for your child. The treatment can be either a prescription medication or a home remedy. It is best to consult a doctor before treating your child with any medication.
