Why Do Head Lice Exist?
WouterHead lice are parasitic insects that live on the head. They are spread through close physical contact. These insects cannot fly or jump, but they can travel on the hair and clothing of other people. While there is a common misconception that having lice means you are not careful about hygiene, the truth is that anyone can get them. Lice affects people of all ages, genders, and races.
Human head lice have two main genetic types. One is called clade B, and the other one is called clade A. These two species are related, but their genetics differ. This means they originated in different parts of the world. For example, Clade B was found in North America and then spread to Europe and Australia. According to scientists, head lice separated from body lice about 100,000 years ago.
These insects live in the hair near the scalp and are highly contagious. The most common method of transmission is head-to-head contact. Some people have a higher risk of developing head lice than others. It is best to consult a physician if you are concerned about head lice. A doctor can prescribe a topical treatment that will kill the lice in a matter of days.
The earliest evidence for the origin of head lice is found in Asia about 25,000 to 30,000 years ago. These bugs are known to be highly resistant to pediculicides, which makes it difficult for them to survive without the warmth of a human head. The same goes for the eggs, which cannot hatch without warmth and will die within a week. The lice cannot jump and only crawl, and their claws are adapted for grabbing human hair.
