When Does Head Lice Come Out?

Head lice are small insects that live on the head. They are often found as live lice or as nits in the hair. Eggs are laid in the first 1-2 inches of hair nearest the scalp and hatch after 1-2 weeks. You can spot head lice by looking at the length of your hair, the shape of the egg shell, and the fact that the egg shell moves away from your scalp.

Head lice are spread from person to person. Children are most likely to get them through contact at daycares and schools. If they are exposed to lice in these settings, they are also likely to spread them to other family members. It is important to treat your child as soon as possible after noticing the symptoms, as the condition can go undetected for weeks.

Adult lice live for up to 30 days without treatment. During this time, they lay several eggs daily. Each egg is small compared to the adult louse. They are about the size of a sesame seed. Adult lice live for about two weeks after hatching. During this time, they feed and breed.

Lice spread by crawling and sometimes latch on to clothes and hair. Because lice cannot live without nourishment, they are easily transmitted from one person to another. Having a lice infestation is embarrassing, and many people associate it with poor personal hygiene. However, head lice can affect people of all sexes, races, and ages.