Is Head Lice a Parasite?
WouterLice are not a disease, but they are an annoying insect pest that can infest humans. Most of these lice are gray in color, and they tend to mimic the hair color of their host. They usually live on the head behind the ears and on the lower back. They are one to sixteen millimeters in length, and they do not jump or fly.
When an infestation is present, the person may experience itching, irritability, and even sores on the head. The infection is spread by direct contact with the hair of an infested person. It can also spread through clothing and personal items. There are no known ways to catch or spread head lice from pets, though. Children who attend daycare, elementary school, or other places where children play are most likely to be infested.
A female head louse lives for 30 days on the host and lays up to ninety eggs. These eggs are called “nits” and hatch in about a week. A full life cycle takes between nine and fifteen days. Once the eggs hatch, the lice develop into nymphs, which feed on blood. The adults are much larger than the nymphs.
If you think you might have head lice, it is important to wash any clothing or items that were used within the past two days. Avoid sharing personal items with others for at least two days to prevent the infestation from spreading. However, if the infestation persists after a week or so, it is necessary to visit a dermatologist.
