According to MayoClinic.com, having lice is so common it is the second most communicable disease in children in the United States. Lice are tiny insects that live in people's hair. They can be found on the scalp, in eyelashes or in other parts of the body where there is hair. Having lice, also known as pediculosis, can be irritating and embarrassing, and lice can be transmitted from person to person very easily.
How Lice Survive on the Head
Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that feed on the blood of their host. They lay nits or eggs that can be found on the shafts of hair and are very difficult to remove. Head lice over millions of years have adapted to the conditions of the human head. According to Pediatric Scalp Care Specialists, lice need the warm and humid conditions -- as well as the human blood -- of the scalp and hair to survive.
Symptoms
Persons with lice may have intense itching. There may be red bumps on the skin. Nits or eggs may appear as dandruff on the hair shafts. Most persons experience lice on the back of their ears, their neck and scalp. Persons who are infested for the first time may not have itching.
Diagnosis
According to MedlinePlus, lice can live 30 days on a human while eggs can live up to two weeks. One can inspect for the presence of lice by parting the hair using disposable gloves and using a magnifier to identify nits or moving lice. The entire head should be inspected for infestation.
Treatment
Over the counter shampoo containing permethrin is available that will help get rid of a lice infestation. If this does not work, one should visit a doctor, who may order prescription-strength medication. If there is a skin infection that develops due to scratching, a person should seek medical evaluation and get treated for the infection.
Transmission and Prevention
Personal hygiene does not affect whether one gets lice or not. Lice are transmitted through contact with another person who has lice. Contact should be limited with people who have lice in order to prevent transmission. Sharing items such as hats, combs, brushes or other items that touch the hair is not recommended.
Removing Lice
Special combs are available that assist with the removal of lice and their eggs from the affected area. Some use olive oil to assist with this process. The hair should be combed for seven to 10 days or until the infestation is resolved. In addition, clothing and other personal items that may be contaminated should be thoroughly washed and dried or replaced.
