Where to Find the Causes of Head Lice? by Chris M. Davis

Head 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.

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.

Remedial steps for head lice:

1) Use shampoos made especially for treatment against head lice.

2) Combs specifically designed to remove nits (eggs of lice) and lice are available.

3) Electronic combs have been designed with smaller bristles to remove head lice.

4) Heat can kill head lice. Therefore, placing household furniture in the hot sun is an effective way of getting rid of head lice. Head lice – a common phenomenon: A head lice infection is not life threatening and has been among mankind for thousands of years. Lice-treatment product manufacturers estimate that lice affect nearly 12-25 million people in the US every year. Medications and a healthy lifestyle can readily stop the spread of the notorious head lice.