Where Can Head Lice Live?
WouterHead lice are a common problem that affects children. Although anyone can become infected, they are most prevalent among children in child care or elementary schools. However, they can also be found in households or in group settings. These infections are spread easily and quickly by head-to-head contact. In addition, they can be spread through clothing and other personal belongings.
Head lice are small, grayish insects that live on the head and feed off human blood. They usually stay close to the scalp, usually behind the ears. However, they can also live on eyebrows and eyelashes. They can survive for three to four weeks. The life cycle of a head lice infestation depends on the time the infested person spends on the affected area.
There are various ways in which head lice can spread, but the most common way is through direct head-to-head contact. Lice can also be transmitted by clothing and personal items. Infested hats and scarves stored on the same locker can also transfer the lice to another person. However, household pets do not transmit head lice.
Adult head lice live for about 30 days and can produce as many as 90 eggs. The egg shells remain attached to the hair shaft for seven to ten days. During this time, the lice mature into adult lice. They can survive for two to three days off the scalp, but they cannot survive long without food.
