Understand Head Lice Through Revealing Images and Pictures

Understanding Head Lice Through Images

Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that infest human scalps and hair. They are a common nuisance, especially among school-aged children. While a head lice infestation may not be dangerous, it can be uncomfortable and highly contagious. Visual images can help identify head lice and shed light on their life cycle to better understand how to treat and prevent these pests.

What Do Head Lice Look Like?

Head lice are very small insects, each about the size of a sesame seed. They appear tan to grayish-white in color. Head lice have six legs with claws at the tips that allow them to grasp onto hair shafts. Their bodies are flat which permits them to pressed close to the scalp for feeding.

Some key identifying features of head lice include:

• Adults reach 1/8 to 1/10 inch in length when fully grown
• Move by crawling; they do not hop or fly
• Lay tiny white eggs (nits) attached to the base of hair shafts
• Nits are oval-shaped and very small, about the size of a knot of thread

Head Lice Life Cycle

There are three forms of head lice as they progress through their life cycle:

1. Nits - Baby lice laid by adult female lice. They are attached to hair near the scalp and blend in with the color and texture of hair. It takes about 9-10 days for nits to hatch.
2. Nymphs - Immature lice that hatch from nits. Nymphs look like small, maybe slightly translucent versions of an adult louse. Nymphs mature into adults about 7-10 days after hatching.
3. Adults - Mature head lice that are ready to reproduce. The female adult louse can lay up to 10 nits per day. Adults live close to the scalp and have a life span around 30 days.

Where Are Head Lice Found on the Head?

Head lice attach to hair shafts to feed and lay eggs. They prefer to live very close the scalp where it is warmest and most humid. The warmth helps their eggs develop and hatch. Areas where hair is thickest provide protection and nutrition for head lice.

You are most likely to spot head lice and nits:

• Along the hairline at the back of the neck and around the ears
• On the crown of the head
• In hair at the nape of the neck
• Behind the ears
• In eyebrows or eyelashes in some cases

How to Identify a Head Lice Infestation

The main signs and symptoms of head lice include:

• Itching - The scalp itches as an allergic reaction to the louse bites. Itching may be worse at night.
• Visible nits - Tiny yellowish-white eggs clinging to hair shafts near the scalp. They resemble dandruff but do not brush off.
• Living lice - Upon close inspection, crawling lice may be spotted on the scalp itself.
• Sores - Sores on the head caused by scratching irritated skin.

Finding nits does not always mean there is an active infestation. Look for nits within 1/4 inch of the scalp itself to confirm the presence of living, reproducing lice.

How Do You Get Head Lice?

Head lice spread through close personal contact with an infected person and by sharing personal items. Some ways lice are transmitted include:

• Head-to-head contact
• Sharing hats, helmets, hair accessories
• Using infected combs, brushes or towels
• Lying on a bed, couch or carpet that an infected person used

Lice move by crawling. They cannot hop, fly or jump long distances. Pets do not transmit human head lice.

Treating Head Lice

Once head lice are detected, treatment focuses on killing live lice and removing nits from the hair. Options include:

• Prescription medications - Products containing chemicals like permethrin or ivermectin applied to the hair and scalp.
• Over-the-counter products - Treatments like Nix with creams, foams, gels or medicated shampoos.
• Wet combing - Removing lice and nits with a fine-toothed, nit-comb dipped in conditioner.
• Natural remedies - Essential oils like tea tree, lavender, clove or ylang ylang applied to repel lice.
• Heat - Using a specialized heated air device to dehydrate and kill lice.

Treatment usually needs to be applied again after 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched nits. Detailed combing to physically remove nits should also be repeated.

Cleaning Household Items to Prevent Spread

Along with treating the head, take steps to disinfect personal belongings and household surfaces that may have come in contact with lice:

• Wash all bedding, towels, clothes and hats worn in hot, soapy water. Dry on high heat.
• Soak combs, brushes, hair accessories in rubbing alcohol for one hour, or boiling water for 5-10 minutes.
• Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses and seats in cars thoroughly.
• Avoid sharing hats, helmets, pillows, hair accessories during an outbreak.
• Use cleaning products designed to kill lice on surfaces.

Preventing Head Lice

While they spread easily, a few simple precautions can help prevent head lice:

• Avoid head-to-head contact during an outbreak
• Do not share personal care items like combs, towels and hats
• Keep long hair pulled back or braided at school
• Check children's hair weekly for signs of lice
• Tie up or remove stuffed animals during lice outbreaks
• Use a lice-repellent product periodically

Being aware of what head lice look like, their life stages and where they live allows you to act quickly in checking, treating and eradicating these irritating insects should they occur on yourself or family members.

Conclusion

While just the idea of head lice makes most people squeamish, these wingless insects are fairly common, especially in school-age children. Head lice spread through close personal contact and can quickly infest those living in close quarters at home, school or camp. By learning to identify head lice eggs, nymphs and adults, you can catch an infestation early. Prescription shampoos, combing and household cleaning can then control lice before they spread further. With proper treatment and prevention habits, head lice can be effectively managed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.