5 Things You Need to Know About Lice

1. Annoying Little Bugs

Lice infestation on the human body, also known as pediculosis, is very common, very annoying and can be even more embarrassing. The three forms of lice--head lice, body lice and pubic lice--are all infestations of small, sesame seed sized bugs which cling to hair shafts or clothing and feed on human tissue and blood. Regardless of the type of lice, symptoms will include severe itching, a dandruff like substance which are actually nits, or lice eggs as well as red, swollen bumps from the bites themselves.

2. Time for a Head Check

Head lice are the most common form of lice, and most often effect school-aged children. Most schools in the United States perform regular head checks; however, it is a good idea to check regularly at home as well. Head lice are easily spotted, as the cling to the hair near the scalp and will often be seen moving. Head lice can affect anyone, regardless of race, social class, hair length or gender.

3. Don't Let the Bedbugs Bite

Body lice are less common in the United States and rather than living on the hair shafts, live within the seams of clothing and even in bedding. When found in bedding, body lice are referred to as bed bugs and will often feed on human flesh and blood during the night. Bed bugs can be easy to spot, as they leave small black or brown stains on the sheets. Body lice are most prominent in underdeveloped countries or in the homeless population due to the lack of laundering clothing and bedding.

4. An Embarrassing Case of Crabs

Pubic lice, also known as crabs due to their crab-like appearance, are transferred from person to person through sexual contact and are most often found in the genital region, but may migrate to the armpits, abdomen and even eyelashes. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the spread of lice if they are present in one partner, as condoms do not cover enough of the genital area.

5. Relieve the Itch

Hygiene and caution are the best ways to prevent the spread of lice. Wash your clothing, bedding and hair often and never share hair care supplies with others. Many over-the-counter treatments as well as laundry detergents are available on the market for killing all forms of lice; however, if adult lice are still present after 2 days, you should see a doctor for prescription medications. No medication, prescription or over-the-counter should be used on any one person more than 3 times, so when treating a fourth time, choose a new brand. Continue use of your chosen medication for at least 10 days or up to two weeks to ensure that nits, or lice eggs, have been killed.