Question 1

What do lice look like?

Accepted Answer

Adult head lice are wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed (approximately 2–3?mm long), tan, gray, or light brown, and have six legs ending in claws that help them grip hair. They avoid light and move quickly.
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Question 2

What do lice eggs (nits) look like in hair?

Accepted Answer

Nits are tiny oval-shaped eggs cemented firmly at the base of hair shafts, usually within ¼ inch (6?mm) of the scalp. They are white, yellowish, or light tan and often mistaken for dandruff—unlike flakes, they don’t brush off easily.
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Question 3

Are lice contagious?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Head lice spread easily through direct head-to-head contact and, less commonly, by sharing personal items like hats or combs. They do not fly or jump; they crawl to transmit.
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Question 4

How do lice spread from person to person?

Accepted Answer

Lice typically spread through close personal contact, especially among children. Sharing items like brushes, bedding, or headphones can also contribute to lice transmission.

Question 5

Can lice live on pillows or bedding?

Accepted Answer

Lice can survive for a short time on bedding, hats, or clothing, but they need a human scalp to feed and reproduce. Washing items in hot water and drying them on high heat helps eliminate lice and eggs.

Question 6

Can lice cause hair loss or scalp irritation?

Accepted Answer

While lice don’t directly cause hair loss, constant scratching due to itching can lead to scalp irritation, sores, and hair breakage. Severe infestations may result in temporary thinning.

Question 7

Why do lice cause itching?

Accepted Answer

Lice bites trigger an allergic reaction in the scalp, which leads to intense itching. Not everyone reacts right away-it may take days or even weeks for symptoms to appear.

Question 8

When do lice eggs hatch?

Accepted Answer

Lice eggs typically hatch within 7 to 10 days. Newly hatched lice (nymphs) start feeding immediately and mature into adults in about 9 to 12 days, continuing the infestation cycle.

Question 9

What lice treatments work best?

Accepted Answer

Effective treatments include pediculicidal shampoos or lotions (containing permethrin, pyrethrins, spinosad, ivermectin, or dimethicone) plus manual nit combing. Some newer treatments are ovicidal (kill both lice and eggs), while others require retreatment about 7–10 days later to eliminate hatched nymphs.
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Question 10

Will lice shampoo kill lice and their eggs?

Accepted Answer

Over-the-counter shampoos often kill live lice but not all eggs. Some prescription treatments (like spinosad or ivermectin) have ovicidal activity. A second application is typically advised after about a week to kill newly hatched lice.
Source

Lice Medications