Head lice

Head lice are very small parasites that nest in the hair and feed on blood from the scalp. An adult head louse is 2–3 millimeters long. Its body is flat, wingless, and grayish-brown in color. Head lice cannot jump. However, with their six legs, head lice can cling very well to human hair and crawl along it. Head lice usually lay their eggs (nits) in the temple and nape areas or behind the ears. They stick firmly to the hair shafts. Their bites can be itchy. Other than that, they are harmless and do not transmit any diseases. The eggs stick to the hair shafts near the scalp. The new generation of lice hatches within about a week. Head lice multiply and spread quickly.

Head lice are most common among children. They are almost always transmitted through direct hair-to-hair contact when children play together. Some people believe that head lice are the result of poor hygiene. However, it doesn’t matter to the lice whether the hair is clean or dirty, since they feed on blood. So anyone can get head lice. Girls tend to get them slightly more often than boys. This is probably because girls “put their heads together” more often and for longer periods than boys. Head lice are widespread, especially among children between the ages of 3 and 12. Outbreaks occur regularly in preschools, daycare centers, and schools. Lice most often appear in the first few months after summer vacation.

To check whether your child or you have head lice, use a special lice comb with very fine teeth. It’s best to wet the hair first and then carefully comb through it strand by strand at least twice, starting at the hairline and working toward the ends. For long, curly, or particularly thick hair, it helps to apply conditioner beforehand so the comb glides more easily through the hair. It’s best to wipe the comb on a paper towel after each strand—this makes it easier to spot head lice. Treatment is necessary if live lice or eggs are found. In that case, it’s important to act quickly to prevent them from spreading further.

Shampoos, gels, lotions, or sprays are suitable for treatment. Head lice treatments can only be effective if they’re applied correctly—and, if necessary, multiple times (depending on the product). It’s also recommended to wash bedding, towels, and stuffed animals at a temperature of at least 60 degrees.

We offer a variety of lice treatments and combs at our pharmacy and would be happy to advise you. Please stop by.