It’s quite common these days for people to ask questions such as, “What does head lice look like?” as this condition can easily spread from one person to the next. In fact, if the infestation is not dealt with immediately then the colony can easily spread. The following are more information regarding this topic including how to get rid of head lice using simple methods.
Head lice need a host to survive
A recent study suggests that over 10 million people a year just in the United States alone get head lice. The study also shows that children make up a majority which makes sense as they are in close proximity with other children who may be affected with the condition. Lice survive by latching itself onto a host and feeding off the blood which is what causes the itching sensation.
When it comes to the question of what does head lice look like, it’s important to note that female lice lay eggs which are also called nits. These are typically laid at the base of the shaft of the hair which is a short distance away from the scalp. After a week when the eggs hatch, they turn into a baby louse which is also a nymph and then become a full grown adult in 10 days afterwards.
Infestation needs to be dealt with before it starts spreading
If the program is dealt with immediately, then the severity of the problem is likely not going to be bad but they can easily range from a hundred to thousands of eggs. While the adult lice can last for 30 days, after a few days they can be extremely irritable. However, if there is no host then the lice cannot survive for longer than a day or two.
Head lice can get often get confused with dandruff or other insects which may be causing irritation so here are just additional information for what does head lice look like. Both the female and the male only last for 30 days max but with hundreds of eggs hatching, it can really start to add up. Each leg is shaped almost like a look which allows them to easily grip and move quickly through your hair with ease.
Descriptions of nymphs and nits
The nymphs are similar to adult lice but they blend in well with their immediate environment so they will be dark if you have dark hair. The eggs are typically very small so you may need a magnifying glass to see it and they generally white colored. The eggs are probably the most difficult to remove as they literally wrap around the hair shaft attached by glue secreted by the adult.
Common signs of head lice include small red bumps on the places where they have biting or even some cases of rash. However, some individuals have severe allergic reactions which may cause an extreme fever so if this is the case you may need to consult with a doctor. Once you learn how to treat head lice, the itching sensation will be completely eliminated which will be a huge relief to many.
Try natural treatments before prescription drugs
With that said, there are perhaps many methods to kill head lice but natural treatments are almost always more preferable. The thing with using pesticides in your hair is that prolonged usage can easily damage the root of your hair which may or may not lead to hair loss. Over the counter treatments or prescriptions are generally reserved for more severe cases and should only be used in moderation.
An effective treatment that works for many is using Neem or olive oil and proceeding to work it inside your hair. This essentially works by ensuring the lice are suffocated and are not able to feed which will quickly eliminate them overnight. You will need to use a plastic wrap or shower cap around your hair so that you can wash it all off the following morning.
Use a fine tooth comb to remove all the eggs
Then you will need to use a metal fine tooth comb in order to completely remove all the nits that may still be nesting in your hair. You may need the assistance of a family member if possible as they will have a much better view of your hair. It’s also recommended that you do this outdoors or inside a tub so that any lice or eggs that get removed will be quickly eliminated.
Depending on the severity, you may need to repeat this process a few times just to be safe. After the infestation problem is eliminated it’s a good idea that you thoroughly vacuum your entire house and machine wash your clothing and bedding using hot water. If you have a dog or cat as a pet, then you might also want to get them checked just to be safe so they don’t have it.
Remain patient throughout the process
Getting rid of head lice is an important skill to learn but it can be very aggravating to deal with especially with the constant itching sensation. Just be sure that you try using natural treatments first before immediately going with over the counter treatments. If you plan on combining methods together, then it is strongly suggested that you consult a doctor to find out more about what does head lice look like.
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