It's Head Lice Season. Here's What to Know
September is National Head Lice Prevention Month, coinciding with a time of year when infestations tend to surge.
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood and are mostly found on the scalp. They are commonly seen in children aged 3 to 11, with up to 12 million infestations occurring annually in the United States. Head lice do not spread disease, but they can cause distress due to itching and potential stress associated with the stigma. Dr. Carla Torres Zegarra, a pediatric dermatologist, emphasizes that having head lice is not a reflection of poor hygiene.
Head lice lay eggs, known as nits, on the base of hair shafts using a glue-like substance. Infested individuals may have live lice, nits, and empty egg casings on their scalp and hair. Unlike pubic or body lice, head lice have elongated bodies and can only spread through head-to-head contact or by touching infested objects like combs, hats, or pillowcases. However, head lice are not connected to personal hygiene or environment cleanliness; they are caused by exposure to an infested person.
Symptoms of head lice include an itchy scalp, particularly behind the ears and near the back of the neck, as well as a tickling sensation or the feeling of movement in the hair. Scratching may result in redness, small sores, or a secondary bacterial infection. Diagnosing head lice involves examining the hair and scalp under bright light and identifying live crawling lice or nits located closer to the scalp, as those farther away are often empty or non-viable. Misdiagnosis is common, so it is recommended to consult a doctor if head lice are suspected.
Several over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as those containing permethrin or pyrethrin, are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat head lice. Treatment typically involves using one of these medications in combination with careful combing using a fine-toothed comb. Head lice infestations most often occur in young children and their families, with girls being more frequently affected than boys.
Hair length, type, and frequency of washing do not influence the likelihood of head lice infestation.
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