Small insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood are known as head lice. These lice usually affect children but can affect adults too. Head lice commonly spread from one person to another through a direct transfer from the individual’s hair.
People with these lice do not mean they have poor hygiene or live in an unclean environment. Commonly, with prescription and nonprescription medicines people get rid of lice. However, some people use different home or natural remedies to destroy lice but there is no clinical evidence about their effectiveness.
Symptoms
- Itching – This is one of the most common symptoms in people with head lice. It usually happens on the neck, ears, and scalp. Louse bites provoke itching commonly. People who experience head lice for the first time may not experience itching for 1 month.
- Lice on the scalp – It is possible to see lice on the scalp but often it is hard to notice them because they are small, move fast, and avoid light.
- Lice eggs (nits) on the hair shaft – These nits commonly are difficult to identify because are very small. Lice eggs usually are located around the ears and on the neck’s hairline. Commonly, people notice empty nits because they are lighter in color and not close to the scalp. In any case, if you have nits it does not mean there are lice alive.
- Sores on the neck, shoulders, and scalp – These sores usually appear due to scratches that cause small red bumps on the skin. In some cases, these red bumps can become infected with bacteria.
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, it is advised to see a doctor. Do not get any treatment until your physician will diagnose head lice. As per studies, most children were treated with nonprescription medicines and home remedies for head lice when they did not have it. Check below things mistaken usually for nits:
- Beads of dead hair tissue on a hair shaft
- Scabs, dirt, or other debris
- Other tiny insects
- Residue from hair products
- Dandruff
Causes
A small tan or grayish insect which is the size of a strawberry seed is known as a head louse. A sticky substance is produced by female lice that helps the egg attach to the base of the hair shaft (which is less than 5 millimeters or ÂĽ inch) from the scalp. The louse life cycle goes through 3 stages. For example:
- Eggs usually hatch within 10 days
- Nymphs – These are immature forms of louse. They become mature adults after 12 days.
- Adult lice – An adult louse commonly lives 1 month. Moreover, female lice lay between 5-10 eggs daily.
How Does Head Lice Spread?
These small insects cannot fly or jump and they usually crawl. The most common way that head lice spreads is direct contact that happens within a family or among children. They have close contact at school or when are playing.
Head lice can spread to other people through indirect contact but it is less common. Additionally, through personal items head lice also can spread. For example:
- Hats
- Scarves
- Brushes and combs
- Hair accessories
- Headphones
- Pillows and towels
In addition, head lice can also go from one person to another when clothes are stored together. However, pets (including dogs and cats) do not contribute to head lice spreading.
Risk Factors
One of the most common causes of head lice spreading is direct head contact with a person who has them. For instance, in the U.S. head lice cases happen in children in preschool through elementary school.
The only complication that can happen in children with head lice is infections. These occur due to scratching which makes the skin break.
How Head Lice Can Be Prevented?
Usually, it is challenging to prevent head lice, especially among children. Despite the low risk you will get head lice through indirect contact is low, you should tell your child the following tips. Examples include:
- Your children should avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, and scarves.
- Recommend your children to avoid lying on beds, couches, or pillows of other people.
- Tell your child to hand clothes apart from other children’s clothes.
However, sharing protective sports headgear and bicycling are not considered a risk factor.
Diagnosis
In most cases, a physical examination to check for a live nymph or adult louse is enough to diagnose head lice. Physicians usually examine the hair while wet due to conditioner or other products. They use a fine-toothed comb to comb your child’s hair. It will begin from the scalp to the end of the hair. In case the doctor does not identify a live louse, this procedure may be repeated several times during the next appointments.
Treatment
Physicians may recommend either prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to kill head lice. Usually, they advise OTC drugs but if recently the nymphs laid eggs, these medicines may not help. As per studies, retreating is recommended every 10 days until the lice go away completely. Check below some treatment options usually prescribed by doctors:
Over-the-counter Medicines
- Permethrin – This is a synthetic form of Pyrethrin in which the chemical substance is extracted from the Chrysanthemum flower. This substance is toxic to lice, which helps destroy them.
It is advised to wash your child’s head with shampoo and after that use Permethrin. You can also raise the hair with white vinegar because it can help to dissolve the sticky substance that nits produce at the beginning of the hair shafts. - Ivermectin – This medicine also is toxic to lice and it is approved for use in adults and children at least 6 months of age. Despite Permethrin, this medication can be applied to dry hair. After applying you should rinse the hair with water after approximately 10 minutes.
Prescription Medicines
Lice have OTC resistance in some regions. Some people may not notice improvements after using nonprescription treatments because they do not use the products correctly or not in an appropriate time. In such cases, physicians may prescribe you the following medications. Examples include:
- Spinosad – This prescription medication can be used by adults and children over 6 months of age. It is applied to the dry hair and then rinsed with water after 10 minutes. Usually, Spinosad is enough to destroy all lice and nits and does not need to be repeated.
- Malathion – Another prescription medication that can be used in adults and children over 2 years old. This product is applied to the hair and left to dry naturally. It is recommended to rinse it after 8-12 hours. The treatment with this medication should be repeated several times (between 7-10 days) after the first treatment. In addition, this medication contains alcohol and it is not advised to use a hair dryer or stay near an open flame.
- Ivermectin – Doctors can prescribe this medicine in tablet form along with OTC lotion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can head lice survive in other places?
As per studies, lice can live approximately 2 days after falling from a host scalp because they need feeding with blood.
How long it takes to get rid of head lice?
Commonly, treatment lasts 2-3 weeks. In other words, this time is enough to destroy all lice and nits.
What is the best medicine that destroys lice and nits instantly?
The most effective medicine against head lice is Ivermectin lotion. Moreover, it can be used in children at least 6 months of age. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
