Why Are Head Lice So Itchy?
WouterThere are several reasons why head lice make your scalp itchy. Lice feed on the blood in humans, so when they bite your scalp, they can be very irritating. Your mom always told you to avoid scratching, but the fact is that scratching causes the louse bite to reopen, which can lead to infection and a slower healing time. Instead, try applying witch hazel to the infected area to reduce the itch and inflammation.
If you suspect your child has head lice, you should visit a doctor. Head lice are spread by head-to-head contact, so you should make sure your child gets treated as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to prevent lice from spreading by not sharing clothing or barrettes and avoiding direct head-to-head contact. This recommendation is backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses.
Lice are tiny creatures with six legs, and their nits are tear-drop-shaped and attach to the hair shaft near the scalp. After nits fall off, the lice will die within five to seven days. The itching may not start immediately, but it usually begins within a day or two after the nit is dropped.
Many people assume they have head lice when their scalps itch. However, there are many other causes of itchy scalps, so the best way to find out the true cause is to examine the scalp and hair to rule out other possibilities.
