Where to Find the Causes of Head Lice?

ead lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects which feed on blood sucked by the scalp. Although they don’t cause any disease, they can cause sheer irritation. If the problem persists in a person’s head, it can result in itchy and damaged hair, and sometimes lead to infections. Head lice are a major problem with children. A head lice infestation is highly contagious and has to be treated immediately once symptoms such as formation of eggs and nits start to appear. You may be wondering where to find the causes of head lice. The following information will help you:

* Sharing space with an infected person:

Since head lice are endemic, contact with infected people can cause the head lice to spread. Lice do not have the ability to fly, swim or jump. However, close proximity with an infected person enables them to move from the hair of one host to the other. Once they reach the host, they multiply rapidly by laying eggs. To avoid being infected with head lice, it is better not to be exposed to infected people.

* Maintaining improper hygiene:

Head lice can infect all types of hair, short or long. This is because they thrive on unclean hair. Though this is a myth, studies show that unclean hair is one of the primary causes of a head lice infestation. Contaminated public places and contaminated closets can also be sources of head lice. Children share toilets and public places in schools. This is the main reason why children below the age of 12 are more susceptible to infestation.

* Sharing toys and household items:

Lice can stay in household furniture for a short period of two days without blood. Hence, if a person is infected, it is possible for people within the same family to get infected as well. The common use of towels, blankets, beds, combs, headphones, hats and other clothing are also common ways through which head lice propagate. The sharing of toys among children is also a reason. Hence, to avoid the spread of the infection, it is better to wash the things which are shared within the family.

Preventive steps against head lice:
1) Avoid contact with infected people.
2) Wash all upholstery and clean all furniture frequently.
3) Avoid using dirty and polluted toilets at public places.
4) Maintain healthy hygiene.