Category: Lice

Summer Is Coming. Are You Lice Free?

You may think that the peak time for a lice infestation in your family has passed for the year. Winter is over, spring is here, and summer is not far away. It is time to take a break from worrying about lice, right? 

Not exactly, because the peak time for lice is actually late summer through the fall. Here is some information you need to know about lice removal during the summer. 

What Exactly Are Lice?

Lice are a type of insect. They are usually transparent or white in color, and they have a larger belly area than their upper body. Lice have six legs. There are three types of lice, based on where they are located. Head lice are the most common form. You may be able to see these lice around your child’s ears, the nape of their neck, or at their part, which is when it may be time to look for lice removal treatment centers near you on the internet. 

Body lice do not live directly on the body, but instead, they live in your sheets, covers, and blankets, and they move onto your body to feed at night. Pubic lice are usually found in your pubic hair, but they can also be found on chest and leg hair, which is coarser. 

The United States sees about 12 million cases of lice each year, so having your children undergo lice treatment is extremely common. While lice can occur in adults and children, the most common age for people to get lice is between three and eleven. Lice can strike any family regardless of income or where they live. Girls are more at risk for lice because they tend to have longer hair and because they tend to share hairbrushes, ribbons, and headbands. 

Why Is Lice Such a Problem?

While a louse or two is not by themselves a problem, lice can lead to serious issues. First, schools and daycare centers are easy places for lice to spread because children share blankets, sleep mats, and stuffed toys. 

Once your child has lice, there are some symptoms you may begin to notice. Your child may complain that their head itches, and you may see them scratching constantly. They may say that something is tickling their head. 

When your child is scratching, their fingernails can create open sores on their neck, scalp, or body. These open sores are an open invitation for bacteria to invade, which can lead to an infection. 

Also, if your child gets lice, they cannot return to school until they have been treated for lice, which means you have to spend time and money to get a lice treatment at a lice clinic. You will also have to clean your home, wash bedclothes, and even clean stuffed animals to make sure the lice are gone. In short, lice can create chaos in any home, and it can be difficult to get rid of lice. 

Why Is Summer the Most Common Time for Lice?

Most parents understand that a lice infestation usually starts when people gather close together, such as in daycare centers and schools. Lice are active in the late summer through the fall and again in January when children return to school from winter break. 

It makes sense as a parent to think that summer is a time to relax and enjoy vacation time lice-free. However, to assume that your children will not get lice in the summer is a mistake. While a lot of children are not in school during the summer, children gather in other places where lice are frequent.

For example, if you send your child to day camps, sleepaway camps, or other camps during the summer, they will be around a lot of other kids, and proximity means a greater chance of a lice infestation. Also, children attend more parties or activities with other children during the summer, such as art classes, library book parties, and visiting amusement parks where they have to stand in line. In short, lice are just as active in the summer as they are in the fall. 

How Do I Treat a Lice Infestation During the Summer?

Now that you are worried about your children getting lice, what should you do if you get a note from daycare or summer camp that your child may have been exposed to lice? First, you need to reach out to The Lice Clinics and schedule an appointment with the lice professionals. We offer a 30-minute one-time lice removal treatment with our heated air device. 

Look at your child’s head again in about eight or ten hours. You also need to launder all of the bedclothes, clothing, and stuffed animals your child has been in contact with. 

What Should I Do?

If the thought of combing insects out of your child’s hair sends chills down your spine, we can help. Our patented lice removal treatment removes the lice from your family member without pesticides or chemicals and is guaranteed to be effective. 

We can have your child’s treatment completed in around an hour. When you are ready to let someone else deal with your lice issues this summer, we can help. Why not give our office at The Lice Clinics a call today so we can make an appointment for you and your child? Contact us today! 

Do Lice Like Clean or Dirty Hair? Find Out Now!

Lice have been around for so long that there are many rumors about them! You may have heard several entertaining myths in your lifetime, such as putting petroleum ointment or coconut oil on your scalp will suffocate the lice. 

Some of these remedies have a basis in truth, while others will just make sure you spend your money without it benefitting your family. Here is some information about lice, what sort of environment lice thrive in, and what type of hair they prefer. 

Risk Factors For Lice

Like most pests, lice spread when there are specific factors that encourage their growth and development. Here are some common risk factors that make it easier to catch lice. 

Head-to-Head Contact 

Children are more apt to get head lice than babies or adults. Lice are the most common in children from toddlerhood through elementary school. 

One of the biggest reasons children are more likely to have lice is because they gather in groups with close contact. For example, if your child attends elementary school, a preschool, a daycare center, or even summer camps, they are more likely to get lice because they are close to dozens of other children. Children often sit close to each other while playing, and they may nap using the same mat or blanket. 

Crowded Conditions

Not only is close proximity a factor that determines whether your child or your family will get a lice infestation, but the more crowded it is in their classroom, the more likely lice are to spread. Lice cannot jump, so overcrowding is the perfect place for lice to crawl from head to head. 

One reason lice tend to spread so quickly at schools and daycare centers is because there are dozens or hundreds of children in close quarters for long stretches of the day. If your child’s daycare has a smaller student-to-teacher ratio, for example, they are less likely to come home with a lice problem. 

What Type of Hair Does Lice Like?

Pediatricians are often asked, “Do lice like clean or dirty hair?” Some people believe that if you don’t wash your child’s hair as often as you should, they won’t get head lice. Of course, a completely different group of people believe the cleaner their child’s hair is, the less likely they are to acquire lice. Here is some information about what types of hair lice prefer. 

Do Lice Like Clean Hair?

In general, most researchers believe that lice would rather cling to clean hair because it is easier for them to attach to clean hair. Once they attach to the hair follicle, not only can they find a blood meal, but they can also lay eggs. 

Do Lice Like Dirty Hair?

Just because researchers believe that lice like clean hair better than dirty hair does not mean lice will not crawl onto an unwashed head. After all, it is not the cleanliness or filth of hair that attracts the lice in the first place. Lice are attracted to blood, not cleanliness. 

Straight Vs. Curly Hair

About 60% of people in the United States have wavy or curly hair, while about 40% have straight hair. Lice do not have a preference when it comes to straight vs. curly hair. Again, they are attracted to blood—not hair type. 

Long Vs. Short Hair

Researchers have found some evidence that lice prefer long hair over short hair, but it is not overwhelming evidence. In other words, lice can exist on short hair just as easily as long hair. Some researchers believe that lice prefer longer hair because it is easier for a lice colony to grow larger in long hair. 

How to Know You Have Lice in Your Hair

If you are worried that you or one of your children have lice, there are some signs you can look out for. These can give you an indication of a lice issue. 

Itching

One of the most obvious signs that your family may have a lice issue is that your head or your children’s head will suddenly become itchy. No matter how hard your child tries not to scratch, the itching will be nearly constant and unbearable. 

Red Bumps and Sores

Another indication you or your child may have a lice problem is the appearance of red bumps and sores on the scalp. You are most likely to notice these sores near the nape of the neck or behind the ears. These bumps or sores may indicate that bacteria are getting into the scratched areas, which can eventually cause an infection. 

Difficulty Sleeping

If you or your child are having a hard time going to sleep on a nightly basis recently, lice may be to blame. That’s because lice are nocturnal creatures, which means they are more active at night when the lights are out and your family is trying to sleep. If your child’s head was itchy before they went to bed, and the itchiness intensifies at night, lice may be the trouble. 

Who to Contact if You Have Lice

Do you suspect that you or a family member have lice? It is nothing to be ashamed of. Lice don’t care where you live, where you work, or how big your house is. If you are worried you have a lice problem, why not reach out to our trained staff at The Lice Clinics? We have treatments available that can rid your family’s hair of lice—guaranteed. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our clinicians. 

Can Dogs Get Lice? What You Need to Know About Dog Lice

When we think of lice, our minds often leap to the common childhood ailment of head lice, leading to itchy scalps and the need for meticulous combing. However, whether our canine friends can suffer from similar pests is less frequently discussed. Surprisingly to many, dogs can indeed become hosts to their own species-specific lice. These tiny parasites can cause significant discomfort and health issues for our pets.

This blog post delves into the question of “can dogs get lice?”, exploring how these creatures differ from their human counterparts, the risks they present, and the measures pet owners can take to prevent and treat infestations. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of dog lice, equipping dog owners with the knowledge they need to keep their pets healthy and happy.

Can Animals Get Lice? Is Lice Different for Every Animal?

Can dogs get lice from humans? Many pet owners wonder about the possibility of their animals contracting lice from humans and whether different animals host different types of lice. While animals can indeed get lice, the species affecting them are distinct from human head lice. 

This means you don’t have to worry about catching lice from your pets or vice versa. Each type of lice is specifically adapted to its host, relying on unique diets and attachment methods that are suitable for their specific animal. 

These adaptations prevent lice from surviving on species other than their intended hosts, ensuring that your furry friend isn’t responsible for any lice infestations you might encounter.

Can Dogs Get Lice

Why Lice Differs for Every Animal

The divergence of lice across animal species stems from their evolutionary path. All throughout history, lice have co-evolved with their hosts, acquiring unique traits that enable their survival in specific environments. These include physical adaptations like the design of their claws to grip the particular hair or feathers of their host and reproductive strategies synced with their host’s lifecycle for optimal proliferation.

For instance, bird lice have claws suited for gripping feathers, whereas mammalian lice’s claws allow navigation through fur or hair. Furthermore, the dietary requirements of lice can vary based on their host, ranging from blood-feeding to consuming skin oils or dead skin cells.

This host-specificity extends to their lifecycle and behaviors, with some lice laying eggs directly on the host’s hair shafts or feathers, using a special adhesive for strong attachment. Others may adopt behaviors that help evade detection by their host’s grooming habits.

The specificity of lice has significant implications for the treatment and prevention of infestations. It means lice infestations in one species pose no direct risk to another. For example, dog lice cannot survive on humans, and vice versa. However, lice can quickly spread among individuals of the same species through direct contact or the sharing of bedding and grooming tools.

Recognizing the unique characteristics of lice across different species is vital for managing and preventing infestations effectively. It informs the development of targeted treatments and preventive measures that are specific to the type of lice and the host they infest. For pet owners, acknowledging that their animals can be affected by lice, identifying the lice type, and applying appropriate treatments are crucial for ensuring their pets’ health and comfort.

can dogs get lice from humans

Why Head Lice on Dogs Would Be a Concern

Head lice in dogs, while distinct from human head lice, present significant health concerns for pets, including intense itching and discomfort that leads to excessive scratching. Such behavior can cause skin irritation, open wounds, and potential secondary infections. Moreover, severe infestations may lead to anemia in puppies or weakened dogs, highlighting the importance of promptly recognizing and addressing lice infestations to maintain a dog’s health and well-being.

So, Can Dogs Get Lice?

Indeed, dogs can get lice. Lice that infest dogs are specifically adapted to canines, differentiating them from lice that infest humans. Understanding dog lice is crucial for your pet’s well-being, encompassing two main types:

  1. Chewing Lice (Trichodectes canis): These lice feed on skin debris and sebaceous secretions, causing irritation and discomfort.
  2. Sucking Lice (Linognathus setosus): In contrast, sucking lice feed on the dog’s blood, potentially leading to anemia in severe cases, especially among young, elderly, or immunocompromised dogs.

Dogs contract lice through direct contact with infested animals or contaminated environments. Although not as common as other parasites like fleas and ticks, lice can still cause significant discomfort and health issues. Regular grooming, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking prompt veterinary care when infestation is suspected are key to managing and preventing lice in dogs.

What Are Dog Lice?

Dog lice are tiny, wingless insects living on dogs’ skin and fur, causing symptoms such as itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Identifying and treating dog lice are essential steps in keeping your pet healthy and comfortable.

head lice

What Are the Differences Between Human Head Lice and Dog Lice?

The key to effective lice management lies in recognizing the differences between human head lice and the lice that infest dogs. Human lice are specialized parasites, thriving on the warmth and environment of the human scalp, feeding exclusively on human blood, and laying their eggs on hair shafts close to the skin. 

In contrast, dog lice have evolved to survive on canines, with distinct species targeting either the dog’s skin or blood for nourishment. These parasites are adapted to the dog’s fur and skin conditions, making cross-infestation between humans and dogs highly unlikely. 

Why Human Head Lice Can’t Be Transferred to Dogs

The primary reason human head lice cannot transfer to dogs (and vice versa) is their host specificity. Each lice species has evolved to thrive on a particular host, making cross-species survival nearly impossible. This specificity encompasses factors such as body temperature and the characteristics of the host’s skin, fur, or hair.

Species/Types/Differences of Lice for Dogs vs Humans

  • Species/Types: Human head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are adapted to living on humans, feeding on blood, and attaching eggs to human hair. Conversely, dog lice include Trichodectes canis (chewing louse) and Linognathus setosus (sucking louse), each specially adapted to dogs’ fur and skin conditions.
  • Habitat Preferences: While human lice prefer the moist environment of the scalp, dog lice thrive in conditions provided by a dog’s fur and skin. The texture, density, and pH of dog fur create an optimal environment for dog lice that is inhospitable to human head lice.
  • Reproductive Behaviors: Human head lice lay eggs close to the scalp for ideal hatching conditions. In contrast, dog lice may lay eggs on dog hair, with preferences for specific body areas varying by lice type.

Symptoms of Lice on Dogs vs Human Head Lice

  • Symptoms in Dogs: Lice infestations can cause severe itching, scratching, hair loss, skin redness, and potential secondary infections in dogs. Anemia may also occur in severe cases.
  • Symptoms in Humans: Human head lice primarily cause scalp itching, leading to scratching and potential secondary bacterial infections. Visible nits and live lice on the scalp are common indicators.

The stark differences between human head lice and dog lice underscore the need for species-specific approaches to prevention and treatment. Understanding these distinctions equips pet owners to effectively address and manage lice infestations, ensuring the health and comfort of both pets and their human family members.

What Do You Do If Your Dog Has Lice?

If your dog has lice, consulting a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment is crucial. Options may include medicated shampoos, spot-on treatments, and thorough cleaning of your dog’s environment to eliminate lice and their eggs. Once treated, it is always important to educate yourself on head lice prevention strategies to reduce any future risks of infestation.

Treatments If a Dog Gets Lice

Effective treatments for dog lice include:

  • Medicated shampoos and sprays to kill lice.
  • Prescription medications from a veterinarian.
  • Regular grooming and combing to remove lice and nits.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting bedding, grooming tools, and the dog’s living space.

Contact A Lice Clinic For Your Lice Needs

Understanding the differences between pet lice and human lice not only alleviates concerns but also highlights the importance of specialized treatment for each. While it’s reassuring to know that humans cannot contract lice from their pets, it’s equally crucial to address human lice infestations with promptness and precision. The Lice Clinics specializes in providing safe, effective, and fast screening and treatment options for human lice, utilizing the latest technology and methods to ensure your family remains lice-free. 

If you or someone in your family is dealing with a lice outbreak, don’t let it disrupt your life. Reach out to The Lice Clinics for expert care and support. Trust us to restore your peace of mind with our professional lice treatment services. 

How Does Lice Damage Your Scalp?

Dealing with lice infestations can be a distressing experience, especially if you haven’t had them before. However, beyond the discomfort of having these disruptive parasites on your scalp, there’s another thing to consider – what types of damage they can do to your scalp. Not only can these tiny insects lead to scalp damage, hair loss, and various other physical side effects, but they can also impact your life on a broader social scale. To prevent these things from happening, you need to turn to a trusted source like The Lice Clinics. We offer a 100% guaranteed solution to tackle lice infestations. But first, let’s explore the impact of lice on your scalp health.

How Can You Spot The Effects of Lice on Your Scalp?  

Lice are parasitic insects that can infest several areas of the body but are most commonly found on the scalp, feeding on blood and irritating the skin. When lice settle in your scalp, their presence leads to various negative effects like:

  • Itching: One of the earliest (and most common) signs of lice is an itchy scalp. A lice’s saliva contains substances that cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to severe itching and discomfort. While scratching the scalp may stop the itching temporarily, it usually will cause further irritation and inflammation.
  • Scalp Sores: Excessive scratching due to lice bites can cause open sores on the scalp, making it vulnerable to infections. Bacterial infections may occur when bacteria enter the broken skin, resulting in pain and discomfort.
  • Inflammation and Redness: When you have the lice, your scalp becomes inflamed and red. It’ll be uncomfortable and sensitive to touch. If the lice aren’t treated within a relatively short amount of time, their constant presence and bites can create a persistent state of inflammation, impacting the overall health of the scalp. 

In addition to these symptoms, make sure to look out for other tangible signs of lice, like nits. Nits are lice eggs that eventually develop into full-grown lice if not cared for.

Lice and Hair Loss

Lice feed on blood from the scalp, and their bites can weaken the hair follicles over time. Weakened hair follicles can lead to hair breakage and increased hair loss. As the hair becomes brittle and prone to breakage, the overall thickness and volume of the hair are compromised. In turn, some people experience a disruption in their hair growth cycle. When this happens, your hair may slowly thin, fall out, and grow irregularly. 

Social Side Effects of Lice Infestations 

Sometimes, hair loss symptoms can be psychological. If provoked, some people that deal with lice pull out their hair in an attempt to relieve discomfort. This compulsive behavior, known as trichotillomania, can result in patchy hair loss and scalp damage. It not only damages the scalp but also affects the person’s self-esteem and emotional well-being. If you start to notice the symptoms of trichotillomania, it’s important to seek mental health care along with lice treatment. 

Apart from the physical discomfort that comes with dealing with lice, infestations can take a toll on your mental well-being. Unfortunately, there is a huge social stigma associated with lice. Children, in particular, may experience bullying and isolation from their peers, affecting their self-confidence and social interactions.

An itchy head also impacts your ability to sleep. A lack of good night’s rest will decrease your overall health and well-being, affecting concentration, mood, and productivity. If you’re not sleeping, your chances of being absent from school or work increase, affecting academic and professional performance. Many schools and workplaces have strict policies regarding lice infestations, requiring affected students or employees to stay home until the infestation is resolved.

How Can The Lice Clinics Help You Treat Your Scalp Damage From Lice? 

For those facing the challenges of a lice infestation, seeking a practical solution to your problem is essential. At The Lice Clinics, we offer top-notch lice removal services. Some of our services use the “Lice Tech” device, which ensures a 100% guaranteed lice removal treatment. It employs a proven comb-out method that removes lice and nits (lice eggs) without harmful chemicals  Unlike some over-the-counter treatments, Lice Tech does not contain any pesticides or other substances that can further damage the scalp –making it a great solution for parents who don’t want to expose their children to unnecessary toxins.

We’re also dedicated to promoting lice education and awareness. Part of our community engagement involves being proud members of “Teachers Against Lice,” an educational program that helps to spread valuable information about lice prevention, identification, and treatment among school communities. By joining forces with educators, The Lice Clinics aims to create a lice-free environment for students and families. With locations in Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg, South Carolina, The Lice Clinics is easily accessible when you require professional lice removal services. When you show up for your thorough screening, our staff provides suitable treatment options for your needs.

In conclusion, while lice infestations can cause scalp damage, hair loss, and other various side effects, understanding the impact and seeking the right treatment can make a huge difference. The Lice Clinics, with our guaranteed services and expert lice removal technicians, is ready to assist individuals and families in tackling lice infestations. Call us today or visit the rest of our website to learn about what services would suit your family best. 

How To Prevent Lice

For many people out there, the mere mention of lice can spark a wave of scalp-tingling discomfort and phantom itches. Known to thrive in human hair, lice are tiny parasites that feed on human blood and are easily spread, especially among school-aged children. Thankfully, prevention is better than cure, and there are multiple ways to safeguard yourself and your family from a lice infestation. In this blog post, we will discuss practical insights on how to prevent lice and how to keep yourself and your family informed to ensure you stay one step ahead of these pesky invaders.

Understanding Lice and Raising Awareness

Before diving into the prevention strategies, it is crucial to understand what lice are and how they operate. Lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live in human hair. The most common type affecting humans is head lice or Pediculus humanus capitis. An infestation occurs when lice lay eggs, also known as nits, on the hair shaft, close to the scalp. These eggs hatch within 1-2 weeks into nymphs, which mature into adults within 7-10 days. Adult lice can survive up to 30 days on a human host, feeding on blood several times a day. One of the most effective strategies to prevent lice infestations is understanding these pesky parasites and their life cycle.

Furthermore, raising awareness about lice, especially among school-aged children who are at high risk of infestation, is crucial. Knowledge is your first line of defense against lice, and discussing lice prevention with your children and explaining to them how lice operate is the most effective strategy to prevent an infestation. This is especially relevant for school-aged children, who are more likely to come into close head-to-head contact with their peers, which is the primary method of lice transmission. Teaching your children not to share personal items such as combs, hats, or headphones will also significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Parents, teachers, and guardians can only do so much against head lice if the children are not careful while they are out and among other kids, so please take the time to talk to your kids about head lice.

Lice Prevention Products and Practices

Now that we understand the importance of educating your children about head lice and how they operate, we can discuss what you can do as a parent or guardian to reduce the risk of head lice from invading your home. Some of the best products used for lice prevention are as follows:

  • Over-the-Counter Products: Numerous over-the-counter lice prevention shampoos, conditioners, and sprays exist. These often contain natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, or eucalyptus oil, known for their potential to repel lice. Use these products as directed on the packaging for best results.
  • Lice Repellent Sprays: Some sprays can be applied to items such as hats, scarves, or coats to deter lice from latching onto these objects.
  • Lice Prevention Kits: Certain brands offer comprehensive lice prevention kits. These kits may include a combination of shampoo, conditioner, leave-in sprays, and sometimes, fine-toothed combs for nit removal.
  • Essential Oils: Some studies suggest that certain essential oils may act as natural lice repellents. These include tea tree, lavender, neem, and peppermint. However, never apply essential oils directly to the scalp. They should always be diluted with a carrier oil, and some individuals may be allergic to specific oils.

Aside from using store-bought or household items for lice defense, you should also consider these best practices to help make lice prevention habits a more routine occurrence in your household:

  • Avoid Head-to-Head Contact: As lice spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact, avoiding such contact is key in lice prevention.
  • Don’t Share Personal Items: Discourage sharing of items that come into contact with the hair like combs, hair accessories, headphones, hats, and scarves.
  • Regular Cleaning of Personal Items: Clean combs, brushes, and hair accessories regularly in hot water. Lice can survive up to 48 hours off the human head, and nits can live for over a week.
  • Wash and Dry Bedding and Clothing: Use hot water when washing potentially contaminated items, and a high heat setting when drying.
  • Seal Non-Washable Items: For items that can’t be washed, sealing them in a plastic bag for two weeks will ensure any lice or nits are dead.
  • Regular Hair Care: Regular washing, conditioning, and combing of hair can dislodge and remove lice and nits. Some believe that lice prefer clean hair, but maintaining regular hair care can still be helpful in the early detection and management of lice.
  • Check and Treat Pets: While pets don’t get human lice, checking them and maintaining their hygiene will help ensure a clean environment at home.

Remember, these products and practices don’t guarantee 100% protection, but they significantly reduce the risk of a lice infestation. In the event of an infestation, it’s essential to treat all household members and clean all personal items and living spaces thoroughly. A combination of over-the-counter treatment, prescription medication, and professional lice removal services can be considered, depending on the severity of the infestation.

Professional Lice Removal

Lice infestations are a common issue, especially among children, but that doesn’t mean they’re inevitable. However, if prevention methods fail and lice have taken residence in you or your child’s hair, it is imperative that steps be taken to stop the infestation before it gets worse.  Do not waste time, money, and energy on cheap home remedies or harsh chemicals. Instead, you should seek professional help. Professional lice removal services are the most reliable way to eliminate lice in the shortest amount of time because lice removal experts use specialized tools and techniques to remove lice that are not available in stores.

Lice Treatment In Spartanburg, SC

As we discussed a moment ago, if you discover head lice present in your child’s hair, or anyone else in your household, you should take action immediately to prevent further spread. The Lice Clinics are professional lice treatment clinics with locations in Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg, SC that are fully staffed and equipped to help you eradicate lice infestations. By using their proprietary Lice Tech treatment, The Lice Clinics can guarantee 100% removal of all lice, nymphs, and nits in just one visit. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website today. 

8 Ways Lice Can Spread

Some caregivers know the struggle of the itching and scratching of their little ones. When they come home from school or daycare and are distraught over an irritated scalp. At first, it might not seem like anything too serious. But after a while, the child does not get better and after further investigation, they realize that something is definitely out of the ordinary. 

Head lice, if left untreated, can become more than just a pesky condition some children will encounter at some point. They can multiply rapidly and worsen over time without the proper treatment and professional care. 

While running to Google to find all the DIY treatments for head lice might seem like a good idea at first, we at The Lice Clinics strongly advise otherwise. We understand that it’s incredibly tempting to try out someone’s mayonnaise hack, but it’s not the best option for the infected individual. The key to treating head lice is timeliness and effectiveness, two things that the staff at any of our locations uphold the most. We offer an array of treatment options including our signature Lice Tech device, which is 100% guaranteed to eliminate head lice and their nits. 

Head lice can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you don’t know where to start. That is why it is important to gather as much information as you can from a professional source before committing to a treatment option.

What Are Head Lice?

Before we go into detail about treatments and how to catch head lice, let’s go over the basics: what are they?

In scientific words, head lice are called pediculus humanus capitis. In simpler words: they are a parasite specifically found on the scalp that survives on a constant blood supply. They have six legs and attached to each is a c-like curve that allows them to grasp the hair shaft firmly. When fully grown, they are about the size of a sesame seed. 

Super tiny. 

Naturally, they are light in color, although studies have shown that they can match the hair color of the infected person. Meaning that if you have darker hair and catch head lice, they will be darker compared to someone with lighter hair. 

As you noticed earlier, the word humanus is the Latin word for human. If your next thought is “Wait, lice aren’t just specific to humans?” You’d be correct. 

Fun fact: your dogs and cats can catch lice too and no, they are not the same as fleas. Because lice are species-specific, this means that they only infect the individuals they are “wired” for. Essentially, the head lice humans get cannot be spread to dogs or cats and vice versa. 

Female head lice tend to be larger than males, but they’re still difficult to see with the naked eye. 

How Fast Does Lice Spread?

We talked about children getting head lice and the importance of caregivers seeking immediate care. Although they are the demographic most likely to catch head lice, the condition is not limited to just them. 

Anyone of any age can catch head lice, although studies have shown that individuals of African American heritage and descent tend to be the least likely to be impacted. 

A female head louse can lay about 6-10 nits, or eggs, a day and they have a life expectancy of around 30 days. 

That’s a lot of eggs. 

These nits are about the size of a knot in a piece of thread and are often confused for dandruff or water droplets on the scalp. Nits are often found at about ¼ of an inch above the scalp and after about 9 days they hatch into Nymphs. 

Because they are so close to the scalp, it makes it nearly impossible to remove them with traditional hair tools or by simply washing your hair. Similarly, adult head lice are too small to be removed without the proper tools.

Now let’s say you’ve got 5 adult female head lice laying around 6-10 eggs a day, that gives you a pretty good idea as to how fast lice do spread.

Common Myths About Head Lice Transmission

One of the most common myths about lice transmission is the idea that you can catch lice from sharing hair tools or hats. Now, although it is possible it is not the most likely way you or someone you know caught head lice. So then, how does lice spread if it’s not through things that directly touch your scalp?

Direct head-to-head contact is how. 

Head lice can’t jump like fleas. They have to spread by coming into direct contact with an infected individual. Most of the time this person is a close family friend or relative, someone you would naturally be in close proximity to more often throughout your daily life. 

Remember how we talked about how head lice have those hook-like claws at the ends of each of their six legs? This is what prevents them from being easily washed or submerged away, which is another common myth. 

We also stated that head lice and nymphs (baby lice) need a constant blood supply in order to survive. Without it, they will die in a few hours. This is why it’s unlikely that you will catch head lice from sharing hair tools. Nits will probably not be on those tools either, since they are found so close to the scalp. 

On the other hand, some common ways of transmission include: 

  • Slumber parties
  • Shared beds
  • Sport activities
  • Reading circles

The Lice Clinics Difference

We at The Lice Clinics in Greenville, Anderson, and Spartanburg pride ourselves on being the one-stop destination for all of your head lice concerns. We offer a variety of treatment options to fit a number of budgets to ensure that our clients can find the right plan for themselves and/or their families. Our device called the Lice Tech will ensure that every single adult head louse and their nits are eliminated and removed from your scalp, 100% guaranteed. We hope this knowledge you now have will help you be able to answer the question with confidence: how does lice spread? For further information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website today!