Where do Lice Come From

One of the most common questions that people ask when faced with head lice infestation is "where do these pests come from?". In fact head lice or pediculosis is a common problem which results in panic, confusion and embarrassment, especially among school children, who are affected most by it. These small, reddish brown insects who's life span, usually ranges from approximately 40 to 50 days, are glued firmly to the hair shaft near the scalp. Let's now elaborate on a few important points and answer the question that troubles everyone's mind, which is, where do lice come from?

The lice lay their eggs also known as nits, close to the shafts of the hair. These nits hatch in around 10 days and mature to adult lice in approximately two weeks. Most of the time, people mistake these nits for dandruff. However, once these eggs have matured into fully grown lice within a time span of a few days, it is easy to observe the symptoms of head lice. These include itching of the scalp, sores on the head and in some extreme cases, even hair fall.

Where Do Lice Come From

The answer to this commonly asked question may sound quite silly but lice can actually come from anywhere and basically affect anyone. Although there is a social stigma attached to it, lice infestation has nothing to do with hygiene and cleanliness. Unlike fleas, head lice do not have wings and cannot fly. The only way that they can spread is when there is any physical contact with an affected person. They are usually transmitted when people share objects like combs, hair brushes, hats, ribbons, scarves and headgear. Sharing your clothes with someone or even trying on clothes at the store, previously used by an infected person can result in an infestation too. Lice are transferable when sitting next to the person on a couch, car seat or a movie theater.

Pediculosis is commonly seen in school children due to the ease of transportation among children who share their hair brushes in the bathrooms or use the same amateur protective sports gear such as football or baseball helmets. Hugging a person close to you can result in the lice launching themselves into your head. In some cases pets might also be the carrier but head lice is basically a human parasitic infestation which need human blood to survive. Once they spread from one person to another, adult lice can survive for 8 hours and the nits for 10 days.

Treatment for Head Lice

One of the most common symptoms of head lice infestation is an itchy scalp. This is sometimes accompanied by scabs or red spots. For treating head lice and to control its growth, you can use medicated shampoos or physically remove the lice and the nits from one's head. Since most of these over the counter lice medications contain insecticides like pyrethrum, it is advisable not to use them in large amounts. For removing the nits use metal or any fine toothed lice combs. Wash the hair and condition it to remove the tangles from the hair and then comb the lice out. Besides common hair care products, there are a number of home remedies for getting rid of head lice.

Pregnant women or those who contract allergies after using medication should consult a physician or a pharmacist. In some cases lice may affect the eyebrows and the eyelashes of a person, in this case, make sure that no medication that is pesticide based, be applied to the eye area. Once the lice removal is complete it is best to check twice a day for at least 10 days to watch out for any signs of re-infestation. Although lice usually do not survive away from a human feeding source, it is always a good idea to sanitize the objects that were in close contact with the person such as, pillows, blankets and clothes. I hope I have answered your question as to, where do lice come from? in the most satisfactory manner, and hope you now know how to deal with the situation, if it ever has the misfortune of thrusting itself upon your person, figuratively and literally!