All the information you need about head lice and nits.
head lice information
What Are Head Lice?
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp. These parasites:
- Measure about 2-3 mm in length (roughly the size of a sesame seed)
- Have six legs with claws for gripping hair shafts
- Are usually pale gray but can vary in color
- Feed exclusively on human blood
- Cannot jump, fly, or swim
- Do not transmit diseases
- Can infest anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status
The Life Cycle of Head Lice
Understanding the life cycle is crucial for effective treatment:
- **Eggs (Nits)**: Oval-shaped, about 0.8 mm long. Firmly attached to hair shafts close to the scalp. Hatch in 7-10 days.
- **Nymphs**: Immature lice that emerge from eggs. Become adults in about 9-12 days.
- **Adults**: Can live up to 30 days on a human host. Females lay up to 8 eggs per day.
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PROFESSIONAL HELP
How to check for head lice
Instruction video about how to check for head lice and nits.
Symptoms of Head Lice Infestation
Common signs include:
- Intense itching (pruritus), especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck
- Tickling sensation or feeling of something moving in the hair
- Irritability and difficulty sleeping
- Sores on the head caused by scratching
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis) in rare cases
Note: Symptoms may take 4-6 weeks to appear in first-time infestations.
Diagnosis: How to Check for Head Lice
Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment:
- Look for live nymphs or adult lice on the scalp or hair
- Check for nits within ¼ inch of the scalp
Pay special attention to areas behind the ears and near the neckline
Comprehensive Treatment Options
1
Clinic
Visit a clinic like HoofdZorg Kliniek who will kill and remove all lice and nits within an hour without the use of chemicals.
2
Shampoo
Wash the hair daily with an over the counter product for at least two weeks.
3
Wet combing
Use a special nit-comb and go through the hair extensively, preferable in wet hair.
Prevention Strategies
While complete prevention is challenging, these steps can reduce risk:
Avoid head-to-head contact during play, sports, or other activities
Conduct regular head checks, especially after sleepovers or camp
Don't share personal items like combs, brushes, hats, scarves, or towels
Educate children about lice and how they spread
Keep long hair tied back in braids or ponytails
Use preventive sprays or shampoos containing tea tree oil or other repellents
Head Lice Infection Rates
In Europe, the prevalence of head lice infestations varies from 0.48% to 22.4%, according to multiple studies.
England
A study found a rate of 28.2 per 1,000 patient-years at risk.
Belgium
A large-scale study of 6,169 school children aged 2.5-12 years revealed a prevalence of 8.9%. In a socially deprived urban area, the prevalence among primary school children was 21.9%.
France
Urban primary school children showed a prevalence of 3.3%.
Poland
Rural schoolchildren had a prevalence of 1.59%, while urban schoolchildren showed a lower rate of 0.48%.
Czech Republic
Among schoolchildren aged 6-15 years, 14.1% had lice, and 9.8% had nits.
Turkey
While not strictly in Europe, Turkey's data is often included in European studies. Prevalence rates varied widely, from 0.7% to 59%.
Albania
Among Kosovo refugees, the prevalence was approximately 4%.
