Why Do Head Lice Come Back?

Head lice come back for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they are a serious infestation and other times, they are a lower-level infestation that keeps ticking along. Regardless of the reason, head lice need to feed on human blood to survive. This is why it is important to treat these insects as soon as you notice them.

If you have lice, you need to focus on killing them and their eggs. Even if you manage to kill off all the live bugs on your head, the eggs will hatch a few days later and lay eggs in your hair. This vicious cycle can continue for weeks and even a few days after you’ve cured the infestation.

Adult lice are tiny, sesame-seed-sized parasitic insects that feed on human blood under the scalp. Their eggs are small and attached with a sticky substance to the hair follicles. Once attached, lice eggs take seven to ten days to hatch. Lice eggs are not harmful for humans, but they can cause itching.

Fortunately, there are treatment products available for head lice. Proper treatment products, a perfectly timed follow-up schedule, and a prevention plan are the best ways to prevent recurrences of lice.