Is Head Lice Common in Children?
WouterHead lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in the hair of humans. They are highly contagious and can spread to the rest of a household if they are not treated properly. They are most common among elementary school-aged children, but can also spread to adults in the household. While they are not a health hazard or cause any disease, they can be very irritating.
Head lice can be found in many locations, including the scalp, behind the ears, and eyelashes. The CDC estimates that 6-12 million people are infested with head lice each year in the United States alone. These tiny insects feed on human blood and lay eggs on the scalp. Lice can live up to two weeks in the head and are typically found close to the scalp and behind the ears. However, they can also live on the eyelashes and eyebrows.
Head lice are easy to spread from child to child, so it’s important to check your child thoroughly. Children with lice should avoid head-to-head contact, particularly in school or at home. In addition, parents should check for lice in other members of the household, especially if their child has been in close contact with a child with lice.
When treating children with head lice, make sure to thoroughly clean bedding, carpets, and clothing. In addition, if you’ve discovered lice on your child, inform the child’s school, child care service, or preschool. Your child should stay home until the day after treatment and should not attend school until the head lice are gone.
