How Often Do Head Lice Eggs Hatch?

It is important to know how often head lice eggs hatch so that you can treat the problem as early as possible. The eggs of head lice are not visible until the hair grows long and the egg shell has separated from the hair shaft. Adult head lice can lay up to 100 eggs in their lifetime. The best treatment for head lice is to apply a lice prevention lotion or a treatment cream two or three times per week. The treatments must be used on dry hair and the pillowcase must be laundered in hot water and dried on a high temperature.

Head lice are spread from person to person within the same household. This is why it is important to treat the whole family to prevent the spread of the disease. It is also important to ensure that kids stay away from head to head contact at home and school. If a child has had close contact with a person with head lice, check their hair every week to make sure it isn’t infested.

Adult head lice are grayish-white or tan in color and are about the size of a sesame seed. After hatching, the nymphs spend nine to twelve days feeding on blood and become fully grown lice. They can lay up to 10 eggs per day and repeat this process every three weeks. Head lice are usually found in children and young children, but anyone can get them. The infection is spread by direct contact between hair and the scalp. It is important to treat your head as early as possible, as head lice are not easily removed from the hair shaft.