Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood. They’re found on the scalp and hair. Lice can be spread through direct contact with an infested person or by sharing hats, brushes, or combs.
Lice infestations are common, especially among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 6 to 12 million head lice infestations occur in the United States each year.
Symptoms of Head Lice
The most common symptom of head lice is itching. You may also see lice or their eggs (nits) on the scalp or hair. Nits are small, white, oval-shaped eggs that are attached to the hair shaft.
How to Get Rid of Lice
There are a number of ways to get rid of head lice. The most effective treatment is to use a lice shampoo. Lice shampoos contain chemicals that kill lice and their eggs.
To use a lice shampoo:
- Wet your hair and apply the shampoo.
- Massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair.
- Leave the shampoo in for 10 minutes.
- Rinse your hair and comb it with a nit comb to remove any remaining lice or nits.
You may need to repeat the treatment in 7 to 10 days to kill any lice that hatch from eggs that were not killed by the first treatment.
Other ways to get rid of head lice include:
- Using a lice comb. A lice comb is a fine-toothed comb that can be used to remove lice and nits from the hair.
- Applying olive oil. Olive oil can suffocate lice. Apply olive oil to the scalp and hair and leave it in for several hours or overnight. Then wash your hair with a lice shampoo.
- Using tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can kill lice. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a lice shampoo or conditioner.
How to Prevent Head Lice
The best way to prevent head lice is to avoid contact with infested people. You should also avoid sharing hats, brushes, or combs with other people.
If you do come into contact with an infested person, you can take the following steps to reduce your risk of getting lice:
- Check your hair for lice and nits.
- Wash your hair with a lice shampoo.
- Comb your hair with a nit comb.
- Avoid sharing hats, brushes, or combs with other people.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if you have a head lice infestation that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments. You should also see a doctor if you have a head lice infestation and you have a weakened immune system.
Head Lice FAQs
Q: What is the best way to get rid of head lice?
A: The best way to get rid of head lice is to use a lice shampoo.
Q: How often should I treat my hair for head lice?
A: You should treat your hair for head lice every 7 to 10 days until the infestation is gone.
Q: How can I prevent head lice?
A: The best way to prevent head lice is to avoid contact with infested people and to avoid sharing hats, brushes, or combs with other people.
Q: What are the symptoms of head lice?
A: The most common symptom of head lice is itching. You may also see lice or their eggs (nits) on the scalp or hair.
Q: Can head lice be spread through pets?
A: No, head lice cannot be spread through pets. Head lice only live on human blood.
Q: Is it possible to get head lice from a swimming pool?
A: It is possible to get head lice from a swimming pool, but it is not common. Chlorine can kill lice, but it can take several hours to work. If you are concerned about getting head lice from a swimming pool, you can wear a swim cap.
Conclusion
Head lice are a common problem, but they can be treated effectively. By following the tips in this article, you can get rid of head lice and prevent them from coming back.
Table 1: Symptoms of Head Lice
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Itching | The most common symptom of head lice is itching. |
| Lice | You may see lice on the scalp or hair. Lice are small, wingless insects that are about the size of a poppy seed. |
| Nits | Nits are the eggs of lice. They are small, white, oval-shaped eggs that are attached to the hair shaft. |
Table 2: How to Treat Head Lice
| Treatment | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Lice shampoo | Apply the shampoo to wet hair and massage it into the scalp and hair. Leave the shampoo in for 10 minutes and then rinse your hair. |
| Lice comb | Use a lice comb to remove lice and nits from the hair. |
| Olive oil | Apply olive oil to the scalp and hair and leave it in for several hours or overnight. Then wash your hair with a lice shampoo. |
| Tea tree oil | Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a lice shampoo or conditioner. |
**Table
