What are head lice?
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny wingless insects that live exclusively on the human scalp and feed on blood several times a day. The infestation is known as pediculosis and is one of the most common conditions in school-age children.
An adult louse measures 2 to 3 millimetres and can live up to 30 days on the scalp. A female lays 5 to 10 eggs — the nits — every day, which stick firmly to the hair near the root. They hatch after 7–10 days and, in just two more weeks, that nymph becomes an adult louse capable of reproducing. That is why an untreated infestation multiplies very quickly.
How they spread
The main route of transmission is direct head-to-head contact, which is very common among children who play, sleep together or hug. To a lesser extent, lice can also be passed on by sharing objects that have been in contact with hair within the last few hours: brushes, combs, hats, helmets, headphones, pillows or hooded jackets.
Lice do not jump or fly: they only crawl. And they have nothing to do with hygiene: they can affect anyone, regardless of how often the hair is washed.
How to tell if there are lice? Main symptoms
Not all infestations produce the same symptoms from the start. Check the hair at the slightest sign, especially after a notice from school or a close friend.
Intense itching
The most typical symptom. It usually concentrates on the nape of the neck, behind the ears and the crown, the lice's preferred areas due to warmth and moisture.
Small wounds and redness
Constant scratching causes irritation, scabs and sometimes small wounds on the scalp or neck that can become infected.
Visible nits
White or yellowish dots firmly stuck to the hair, usually 1–2 cm from the root. Unlike dandruff, they don't come off when shaken.
Live lice
Greyish or brown, they move quickly and flee from the light. They are usually easier to see on wet hair when combing with a nit comb.
Disrupted sleep
Lice are more active at night. The itching and tickling interrupt children's rest and can lead to tiredness and irritability the next day.
Discomfort and irritability
Constant itching and lack of sleep affect mood, concentration at school and the general well-being of the child — and, by emotional contagion, of the whole family.
Nits or dandruff: how to tell them apart
The most common confusion when checking the hair. These are the key differences:
| Feature | Nit | Dandruff |
|---|---|---|
| Adherence | Stuck to the hair, doesn't move when shaken. | Comes off when you run your hand through or shake the head. |
| Shape | Oval, very small (1–2 mm). | Irregular, loose flake. |
| Colour | Yellowish white (full) or pearly white (empty). | Dull white or greyish. |
| Location | Near the root, especially on the neck and behind the ears. | Scattered across the whole scalp. |
| When crushed | Makes a sound and breaks between the nails. | Crumbles like powder. |
Why acting quickly matters so much
Contagion is immediate
A single contact is enough. In a few days the infestation can spread to siblings, classmates and close friends.
It multiplies every day
A female lays up to 10 nits per day. The later you start, the harder it is to fully eradicate the infestation.
Impact on well-being
Constant itching, sleepless nights and sometimes embarrassment affect mood, school performance and family life.
Tips to prevent head lice
There is no 100% effective way to avoid contagion, but these habits greatly reduce the risk and help catch an infestation early:
- Check the hair once a week, especially during the school year and summer camps. A nit comb through wet hair, strand by strand, is enough.
- Tie long hair up (braid, ponytail or bun) at school, after-school activities and places with a lot of contact.
- Avoid sharing brushes, combs, hats, headbands, helmets, headphones and pillows.
- Act at the first notice from school or a close friend, even if your child has no symptoms: a quick check can save weeks of trouble.
- Use natural preventive products (essential oils such as tea tree or lavender). They help make the hair a less welcoming place for lice.
- Wash at 60 °C or bag for 48 h bedding, towels and hair accessories when there is a confirmed case at home. Lice don't survive more than 24–48 h off the scalp.
Common myths about head lice
We debunk the most widespread beliefs still going around schools.
"Lice jump or fly"
False. They only crawl. They need direct hair-to-hair contact to move from one head to another.
"They only appear with poor hygiene"
False. They affect everyone equally. In fact, they prefer clean hair.
"They go away if you wait"
False. Without treatment the infestation multiplies. You must always act.
"Pets spread them"
False. Human lice don't live on dogs or cats; they are specific to our species.
"One shampoo is enough"
False. Many chemical shampoos are no longer effective because of resistance, and they don't remove nits.
"Tied-up hair doesn't spread lice"
False, but it reduces risk. Tying hair makes direct contact harder and helps quite a lot.
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