Lice are wingless, parasitic insects that cause infestation either in the hair or on the body. Most people view lice as being an insect that only affects dirty people, but you can have the best personal hygiene and get lice. You can treat both head and body lice with over-the-counter and prescription medication.
Head and body lice are primarily contracted through person-to-person contact and the sharing of personal items such as hats, combs, brushes and other personal objects. Small, red bumps occur when you feel tingling and itching from the lice migrating from one area to another. The first signs of itching may take four to six weeks to appear after initial contact with lice.
Significance
An adult female louse is able to lay up to eight nits---head lice eggs--per day. Nits are the small oval spray droplets attached to the hair, primarily near the scalp. Nits hatch in approximately six to nine days and become nymphs, which moult and become adults in about seven days.
Types
Pediculus humanus capitis---head lice---measure 2.1 to 3.1 millimeters in length and are generally located near the nape of the neck or on the hair shaft base. The CDC estimates 6 million to 12 million infestations occur annually in the United States in children ages 3 to 11.
Pediculus humanus corporis---body lice---measure 2.3 to 3.6 mm in length and are found on clothing and bedding. Body lice are common with individuals who are homeless or living in dilapidated conditions and do not have access to proper hygiene techniques. According to the CDC, body lice cause the spread of typhus and louse-borne relapsing fever. Vagabond's disease is a condition associated with the darkening and thickening of the mid-section of the body caused by body lice left untreated.
Prevention/Solution
Head lice are sometimes not preventable, but you can follow some techniques to try to prevent an infestation from occurring. Refrain from sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, scarves and clothing articles. Seal items that are not washable and cover furniture with plastic wrap for a minimum of two weeks to kill living lice and prevent a further infestation. Vacuum the floors and carpets, launder all washable infected articles with hot water---a minimum of 130 degrees Fahrenheit---and use high heat to dry them, the CDC advises.
Bathing regularly and properly laundering clothes on a weekly basis are the best ways to prevent an infestation of body lice. The CDC recommends laundering articles of clothing and bedding in hot water and drying. Also, abstain from sharing clothing, bedding, towels and personal items to help prevent infestation.
Miscellaneous
The Mayo Clinic reports that lice transmission occurs more frequently at schools, sporting activities, camps and slumber parties.
Olive oil is an alternative home remedy for killing head lice.
When using over-the-counter treatment and sprays, follow the directions closely and do not let young children or pets near the products.
