Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Head lice – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20356180

  Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The insects usually spread through direct transfer from the hair of one person to the hair of another. […] A head louse is a tan or grayish insect about the size of a strawberry seed. It feeds on human blood from the scalp. The female louse produces a sticky substance that firmly attaches each egg to the base of a hair shaft less than 1/4 inch (5 millimeters) from the scalp. […] Head lice crawl, but they can’t jump or fly. Head lice often spread from one person to another by direct head-to-head contact, often within a family or among children who have close contact at school or play. […] It’s less common for head lice to spread without direct contact. But the insects may spread from one person to another through personal items, such as hats and scarves, brushes and combs, hair accessories, headphones, pillows, towels and upholstery. […] Household pets, such as dogs and cats, don’t play a role in spreading head lice.

• #2 Head Lice: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10824-head-lice

  Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that can live in your hair. They bite your skin to suck your blood and attach their eggs (called nits) to your hair, close to your scalp. […] Head lice usually spread from person to person by direct contact. But they may also spread by sharing items that touch your head (like combs, brushes and hats). […] Adult lice lay eggs near your scalp and glue them to your hair. Five to 10 days later, the lice hatch. Over the next nine to 12 days, they’ll bite you several times to take a meal. They’ll grow into adults and lay more eggs, starting the cycle over again. […] Lice are becoming resistant to treatment. It may take a combination of treatments to get rid of them completely. […] Adult head lice can live without a host for only a day or two. Eggs can survive about 10 days.

• #3 What Are Lice, and Where Do They Come From?

  https://www.healthline.com/health/lice-what-are-lice

  The louse (plural: lice) is a parasite that attaches itself to human hair and feeds on human blood. The most prevalent kind of lice is head lice. An infestation with head lice is medically known as Pediculosis capitis. […] Head lice are obligate parasites. This means that they cannot survive without a human host. This species can live only on human hosts, so you cannot get them from your dog, cat, guinea pig, or any other kind of furry pet you may have. […] It’s important to emphasize that poor hygiene such as skipped baths or showers or any other hygiene issue is not typically the cause of head lice. […] Children who live in crowded conditions may have more of a problem with head lice. This is only because they’re living close to one another and may sleep in the same bed. […] There are only two ways head lice can spread from person to person. One is by direct head-to-head contact, as when children hug or put their heads together to look at the same book. The other way is by sharing hats, caps, hair ties, scarves, or any personal item such as combs or brushes. […] If lice eggs aren’t destroyed properly during the initial treatment, or if you have repeated contact with a person who has not treated their lice infestation completely, you may find yourself experiencing repeated infestations.

• #4 Head lice | Pediculosis | MedlinePlus

  https://medlineplus.gov/headlice.html

  Head lice are tiny insects that live on people’s heads. Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds. The eggs, called nits, are even smaller – about the size of a dandruff flake. Lice and nits are found on or near the scalp, most often at the neckline and behind the ears. […] Head lice are parasites, and they need to feed on human blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that live on humans. The other two types are body lice and pubic lice. Each type of lice is different, and getting one type does not mean that you will get another type. […] Lice move by crawling, because they cannot hop or fly. They spread by close person-to-person contact. Rarely, they can spread through sharing personal belongings such as hats or hairbrushes. Personal hygiene and cleanliness have nothing to do with getting head lice. You also cannot get pubic lice from animals. Head lice do not spread disease. […] Children ages 3-11 and their families get head lice most often. This is because young children often have head-to-head contact while playing together.

• #5 How do you get lice? Causes and risk factors

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322485

  Lice spread through physical contact. Children are more likely to contract lice than adults. […] Researchers are unsure where lice originated, but they know that lice have affected primates for at least 25 million years, eventually spreading to humans. […] Head lice only affect humans, and they will not jump onto pets or other animals. […] Lice can also travel on objects that have touched the head. A person may get lice after sharing objects such as hats or towels. […] However, lice cannot survive long without feeding. They must move to a new head within around 24 hours, or they will die.

• #6 Human pediculosis, a global public health problem | Infectious Diseases of Poverty | Full Text

  https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w

  Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. […] Human blood-sucking lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Anoplura) comprise two families Pediculidae and Pthiridae, with the corresponding genera Pediculus and Pthirus, respectively. […] Head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. […] Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cyt b gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. […] In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. […] Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. […] Head louse infestation has historically been and is likely to remain a worldwide problem because head lice can infest people of all ages, and various social and economic status.

• #7 Head louse – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_louse

  The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feed exclusively on human blood. Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees and bonobos host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi. Other species of lice infest most orders of mammals and all orders of birds. […] The non-disease-carrying head louse differs from the related disease-carrying body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) in preferring to attach eggs to scalp hair rather than to clothing. […] The number of children per family, the sharing of beds and closets, hair washing habits, local customs and social contacts, healthcare in a particular area (e.g. school), and socioeconomic status were found to be significant factors in head louse infestation.

• #8 Head Lice: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10824-head-lice

  Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that can live in your hair. They bite your skin to suck your blood and attach their eggs (called nits) to your hair, close to your scalp. […] Head lice usually spread from person to person by direct contact. But they may also spread by sharing items that touch your head (like combs, brushes and hats). […] Adult lice lay eggs near your scalp and glue them to your hair. Five to 10 days later, the lice hatch. Over the next nine to 12 days, they’ll bite you several times to take a meal. They’ll grow into adults and lay more eggs, starting the cycle over again. […] Lice are becoming resistant to treatment. It may take a combination of treatments to get rid of them completely. […] Adult head lice can live without a host for only a day or two. Eggs can survive about 10 days.

• #9 Head lice – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20356180

  Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The insects usually spread through direct transfer from the hair of one person to the hair of another. […] A head louse is a tan or grayish insect about the size of a strawberry seed. It feeds on human blood from the scalp. The female louse produces a sticky substance that firmly attaches each egg to the base of a hair shaft less than 1/4 inch (5 millimeters) from the scalp. […] Head lice crawl, but they can’t jump or fly. Head lice often spread from one person to another by direct head-to-head contact, often within a family or among children who have close contact at school or play. […] It’s less common for head lice to spread without direct contact. But the insects may spread from one person to another through personal items, such as hats and scarves, brushes and combs, hair accessories, headphones, pillows, towels and upholstery. […] Household pets, such as dogs and cats, don’t play a role in spreading head lice.

• #10 Head Lice: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10824-head-lice

  Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that can live in your hair. They bite your skin to suck your blood and attach their eggs (called nits) to your hair, close to your scalp. […] Head lice usually spread from person to person by direct contact. But they may also spread by sharing items that touch your head (like combs, brushes and hats). […] Adult lice lay eggs near your scalp and glue them to your hair. Five to 10 days later, the lice hatch. Over the next nine to 12 days, they’ll bite you several times to take a meal. They’ll grow into adults and lay more eggs, starting the cycle over again. […] Lice are becoming resistant to treatment. It may take a combination of treatments to get rid of them completely. […] Adult head lice can live without a host for only a day or two. Eggs can survive about 10 days.

• #11 What Is All This Itching About? Self-Care Management of Head Lice

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/what-is-all-this-itching-about-self-care-management-of-head-lice

  The insect that causes infestation of the head and hair is Pediculus humanus capitis the head louse. This ectoparasite makes its home in the skin and hair of humans, feeding exclusively on human blood from the host every 4 to 6 hours. […] The female louse has a lifespan of approximately 1 month. During this time, it can lay up to 10 eggs a day. These eggs, or nits, are firmly attached with a gluelike substance to the hosts hair shaft close to the scalp. […] Head lice are wingless parasites that crawl; they do not jump or fly from one host to another. […] There is general agreement that direct head-to-head contact is the main mode of louse transmission. […] Age plays a substantial role in the occurrence of infestations, with children aged 3 to 11 years being the most likely group to become infested.

• #12 Head Lice: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10824-head-lice

  Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that can live in your hair. They bite your skin to suck your blood and attach their eggs (called nits) to your hair, close to your scalp. […] Head lice usually spread from person to person by direct contact. But they may also spread by sharing items that touch your head (like combs, brushes and hats). […] Adult lice lay eggs near your scalp and glue them to your hair. Five to 10 days later, the lice hatch. Over the next nine to 12 days, they’ll bite you several times to take a meal. They’ll grow into adults and lay more eggs, starting the cycle over again. […] Lice are becoming resistant to treatment. It may take a combination of treatments to get rid of them completely. […] Adult head lice can live without a host for only a day or two. Eggs can survive about 10 days.

• #13 Head lice: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164492

  Head lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live in human hair. They are a common problem and highly contagious. […] A head lice infestation results from the direct transfer of lice from the hair of one person to the hair of another through head-to-head contact. […] To survive, an adult head louse must feed on blood. They can live for approximately 30 days on a persons head. If they fall off, they will die within 1 to 2 days. […] Head lice cannot fly or jump, but sometimes they can be transmitted on personal items, so it is sensible to avoid sharing brushes, combs, headbands, headphones, towels, clothing, or hats with anyone who has an active infestation. […] An infestation does not result from dirty hair or poor hygiene, and it can occur in hair of any length or condition. Head lice cannot be passed on to or caught from animals.

• #14 What Is All This Itching About? Self-Care Management of Head Lice

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/what-is-all-this-itching-about-self-care-management-of-head-lice

  The insect that causes infestation of the head and hair is Pediculus humanus capitis the head louse. This ectoparasite makes its home in the skin and hair of humans, feeding exclusively on human blood from the host every 4 to 6 hours. […] The female louse has a lifespan of approximately 1 month. During this time, it can lay up to 10 eggs a day. These eggs, or nits, are firmly attached with a gluelike substance to the hosts hair shaft close to the scalp. […] Head lice are wingless parasites that crawl; they do not jump or fly from one host to another. […] There is general agreement that direct head-to-head contact is the main mode of louse transmission. […] Age plays a substantial role in the occurrence of infestations, with children aged 3 to 11 years being the most likely group to become infested.

• #15 Head lice: Causes, symptoms, and treatments

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164492

  Head lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live in human hair. They are a common problem and highly contagious. […] A head lice infestation results from the direct transfer of lice from the hair of one person to the hair of another through head-to-head contact. […] To survive, an adult head louse must feed on blood. They can live for approximately 30 days on a persons head. If they fall off, they will die within 1 to 2 days. […] Head lice cannot fly or jump, but sometimes they can be transmitted on personal items, so it is sensible to avoid sharing brushes, combs, headbands, headphones, towels, clothing, or hats with anyone who has an active infestation. […] An infestation does not result from dirty hair or poor hygiene, and it can occur in hair of any length or condition. Head lice cannot be passed on to or caught from animals.

• #16 Lice – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20374399

  Head lice feed on human blood and can be found on the human head, body and pubic area. The female louse produces a sticky substance that firmly attaches each egg to the base of a hair shaft. Eggs hatch in 6 to 9 days. […] You can get lice by coming into contact with either lice or their eggs. Lice can’t jump or fly. They spread through: […] Head-to-head or body-to-body contact. This may occur as children or family members play or interact closely. […] Closely stored belongings. Storing clothing that have lice close together in closets, lockers or on side-by-side hooks at school can spread lice. Lice also can spread when storing personal items such as pillows, blankets, combs and stuffed toys together. […] Items shared among friends or family members. These may include clothing, headphones, brushes, combs, hair accessories, towels, blankets, pillows and stuffed toys.

• #17 Head Lice: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10824-head-lice

  Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that can live in your hair. They bite your skin to suck your blood and attach their eggs (called nits) to your hair, close to your scalp. […] Head lice usually spread from person to person by direct contact. But they may also spread by sharing items that touch your head (like combs, brushes and hats). […] Adult lice lay eggs near your scalp and glue them to your hair. Five to 10 days later, the lice hatch. Over the next nine to 12 days, they’ll bite you several times to take a meal. They’ll grow into adults and lay more eggs, starting the cycle over again. […] Lice are becoming resistant to treatment. It may take a combination of treatments to get rid of them completely. […] Adult head lice can live without a host for only a day or two. Eggs can survive about 10 days.

• #18 Head Lice

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5165061/

  Conflicting information about the proper treatment of head lice has given rise to uncertainty among patients and treating personnel. The main route of transmission is direct head-to-head contact; transmission via inanimate objects is of no relevance. Resistance to neurotoxic pediculocidal drugs is increasing around the world. The spread of head lice depends on spatial and temporal factors, including the number of susceptible hosts, the duration of the infestation, and the duration and nature of hair-to-hair contact. The main transmission route for head lice is therefore close head-to-head contact. The immune system of the head louse has a smaller capacity for phagocytosis than that of the body louse. It has been shown that head lice can carry Rickettsia prowazekii and Bartonella quintana, and probably all infectious pathogens reported for body lice. The presence of lice and eggs is best demonstrated by wet combing using a metal detection comb. Overuse of neurotoxic pediculicides has resulted in resistant populations of head lice on all continents. Dimethicones are the treatment of choice, with 97% efficacy.

• #19 Pediculosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470343/

  Pediculosis (louse infestation) affects hundreds of millions worldwide each year and has been reported in all countries and socioeconomic classes. The three varieties that are parasitic to humans are Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse), Pthirus pubis (crab louse), and Pediculus humanus (body louse). Head lice cross all socioeconomic barriers, whereas body lice more commonly affect homeless and displaced populations. […] The head louse is an obligate parasite that spends its entire life on the human host. Head lice feed exclusively on blood. Lice are unable to jump or fly, and transmission requires close contact. Transmission of head lice is thought to occur by head-to-head contact, sharing of headgear, or other direct contact with fomites (inanimate objects that harbor the organism, such as movie seats).

• #20 Head lice – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20356180

  Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. The insects usually spread through direct transfer from the hair of one person to the hair of another. […] A head louse is a tan or grayish insect about the size of a strawberry seed. It feeds on human blood from the scalp. The female louse produces a sticky substance that firmly attaches each egg to the base of a hair shaft less than 1/4 inch (5 millimeters) from the scalp. […] Head lice crawl, but they can’t jump or fly. Head lice often spread from one person to another by direct head-to-head contact, often within a family or among children who have close contact at school or play. […] It’s less common for head lice to spread without direct contact. But the insects may spread from one person to another through personal items, such as hats and scarves, brushes and combs, hair accessories, headphones, pillows, towels and upholstery. […] Household pets, such as dogs and cats, don’t play a role in spreading head lice.

• #21

  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/signs-of-lice.aspx

  Head lice are a common problem, especially among school-aged children and their families. […] Head lice are also found worldwide in all different places, such as in homes or schools or the country or city. […] Though head lice may be a nuisance, they don’t cause serious illness or carry any diseases. […] Head lice feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp. […] Head lice live about 28 days. […] This cycle can repeat every 3 weeks if head lice are left untreated. […] Head lice are most common in preschool- and elementary school-aged children. […] However, anyone can get head lice. […] The main way that head lice spread is from close, prolonged head-to-head contact. […] Head lice are crawling insects. They cannot jump, hop, or fly.

• #22 Head Lice (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/head-lice.html

  Head lice are tiny wingless insects. They live among human hairs and feed on blood from the scalp. […] Head lice are a common problem, especially for kids. They spread easily from person to person, and sometimes are tough to get rid of. […] They’re not a sign of poor hygiene head lice need blood and they don’t care whether it’s from someone who’s clean or dirty. […] Head lice spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings like schools, childcare centers, slumber parties, sports activities, and camps. […] They spread through head-to-head contact, and sharing clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats. […] Having head lice is not a sign of dirtiness or poor hygiene. The pesky little bugs can be a problem no matter how often kids do or don’t wash their hair or bathe.

• #23 Head lice – BAD Patient Hub

  https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/condition/head-lice/

  Head lice are usually picked up by head-to-head contact; it takes about 30 seconds for a single louse to transfer from one scalp to another. […] Head lice live only on humans and die in a day or two away from the human scalp. They cannot be caught from animals. […] Head lice can affect anyone, but are: Most common in children between the ages of 4 and 11. […] No, though several members of a family may have them at the same time. […] Head lice have to feed on human blood several times a day to survive, and their bites, saliva and faeces often make the scalp itchy. […] Treatment is needed only when an active louse infestation is present; as shown by the presence of living and moving lice. […] A physical insecticide works by physically coating the surfaces of head lice and suffocating them, so resistance is unlikely to develop. […] A chemical insecticide, such as Malathion 0.5% aqueous liquid, poisons the head lice by chemical means. […] It is not possible to prevent headlice infestation.

• #24 Head Lice (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/head-lice.html

  Head lice are tiny wingless insects. They live among human hairs and feed on blood from the scalp. […] Head lice are a common problem, especially for kids. They spread easily from person to person, and sometimes are tough to get rid of. […] They’re not a sign of poor hygiene head lice need blood and they don’t care whether it’s from someone who’s clean or dirty. […] Head lice spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings like schools, childcare centers, slumber parties, sports activities, and camps. […] They spread through head-to-head contact, and sharing clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats. […] Having head lice is not a sign of dirtiness or poor hygiene. The pesky little bugs can be a problem no matter how often kids do or don’t wash their hair or bathe.

• #25 Lice – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20374399

  Head lice feed on human blood and can be found on the human head, body and pubic area. The female louse produces a sticky substance that firmly attaches each egg to the base of a hair shaft. Eggs hatch in 6 to 9 days. […] You can get lice by coming into contact with either lice or their eggs. Lice can’t jump or fly. They spread through: […] Head-to-head or body-to-body contact. This may occur as children or family members play or interact closely. […] Closely stored belongings. Storing clothing that have lice close together in closets, lockers or on side-by-side hooks at school can spread lice. Lice also can spread when storing personal items such as pillows, blankets, combs and stuffed toys together. […] Items shared among friends or family members. These may include clothing, headphones, brushes, combs, hair accessories, towels, blankets, pillows and stuffed toys.

• #26 Head lice: Who gets and causes

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/head-lice-causes

  Anyone can get head lice. […] In the United States, children in preschool and elementary school are most likely to get head lice. […] Head-to-head contact is the most common way to get head lice. […] The lice move from one person to the next by crawling. […] Because head lice crawl onto objects that have touched the human head, it is possible to get head lice by sharing everyday objects infested with lice such as hats, scarves, coats, hair accessories, brushes, combs, and towels. […] Resting your head on a bed, pillow, couch, chair, or rug that someone with head lice used is another way to get head lice.

• #27 Lice – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20374399

  Head lice feed on human blood and can be found on the human head, body and pubic area. The female louse produces a sticky substance that firmly attaches each egg to the base of a hair shaft. Eggs hatch in 6 to 9 days. […] You can get lice by coming into contact with either lice or their eggs. Lice can’t jump or fly. They spread through: […] Head-to-head or body-to-body contact. This may occur as children or family members play or interact closely. […] Closely stored belongings. Storing clothing that have lice close together in closets, lockers or on side-by-side hooks at school can spread lice. Lice also can spread when storing personal items such as pillows, blankets, combs and stuffed toys together. […] Items shared among friends or family members. These may include clothing, headphones, brushes, combs, hair accessories, towels, blankets, pillows and stuffed toys.

• #28 Head lice Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/head-lice

  Head lice spread by close contact with other people. […] Head lice infect hair on the head. Tiny eggs on the hair may look like flakes of dandruff. However, instead of flaking off the scalp, they stay in place. […] Head lice spread easily, particularly among school children ages 3 to 11 years. Head lice are more common in close, overcrowded living conditions. […] You can get head lice if: You come in close contact with a person who has lice. You touch the clothing or bedding of someone who has lice. You share hats, towels, brushes, or combs of someone who has lice. […] Having head lice does not mean the person has poor hygiene or low social status.

• #29 Head Lice Infestation: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

  https://www.healthline.com/health/head-lice

  Head lice are contagious. You can become infected with head lice when the insects crawl onto your head. Ways you might get head lice include: […] While transmission of lice via inanimate objects may be possible, its been found to be highly unlikely. Some of these inanimate objects may include brushes, combs, barrettes, headbands, headphones, and hats. […] Again, it should be stressed that the biggest concern for transmission is close head-to-head contact occurring mainly in children during play. Transmission via objects is a rare exception, according to several sources. […] There are some differing opinions on the transmission of head lice via inanimate objects, but the science doesnt seem to support transmission in this manner.

• #30 Head Lice Infestation: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

  https://www.healthline.com/health/head-lice

  Head lice are contagious. You can become infected with head lice when the insects crawl onto your head. Ways you might get head lice include: […] While transmission of lice via inanimate objects may be possible, its been found to be highly unlikely. Some of these inanimate objects may include brushes, combs, barrettes, headbands, headphones, and hats. […] Again, it should be stressed that the biggest concern for transmission is close head-to-head contact occurring mainly in children during play. Transmission via objects is a rare exception, according to several sources. […] There are some differing opinions on the transmission of head lice via inanimate objects, but the science doesnt seem to support transmission in this manner.

• #31 Head Lice

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5165061/

  Conflicting information about the proper treatment of head lice has given rise to uncertainty among patients and treating personnel. The main route of transmission is direct head-to-head contact; transmission via inanimate objects is of no relevance. Resistance to neurotoxic pediculocidal drugs is increasing around the world. The spread of head lice depends on spatial and temporal factors, including the number of susceptible hosts, the duration of the infestation, and the duration and nature of hair-to-hair contact. The main transmission route for head lice is therefore close head-to-head contact. The immune system of the head louse has a smaller capacity for phagocytosis than that of the body louse. It has been shown that head lice can carry Rickettsia prowazekii and Bartonella quintana, and probably all infectious pathogens reported for body lice. The presence of lice and eggs is best demonstrated by wet combing using a metal detection comb. Overuse of neurotoxic pediculicides has resulted in resistant populations of head lice on all continents. Dimethicones are the treatment of choice, with 97% efficacy.

• #32 Head Lice

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5165061/

  Conflicting information about the proper treatment of head lice has given rise to uncertainty among patients and treating personnel. The main route of transmission is direct head-to-head contact; transmission via inanimate objects is of no relevance. Resistance to neurotoxic pediculocidal drugs is increasing around the world. The spread of head lice depends on spatial and temporal factors, including the number of susceptible hosts, the duration of the infestation, and the duration and nature of hair-to-hair contact. The main transmission route for head lice is therefore close head-to-head contact. The immune system of the head louse has a smaller capacity for phagocytosis than that of the body louse. It has been shown that head lice can carry Rickettsia prowazekii and Bartonella quintana, and probably all infectious pathogens reported for body lice. The presence of lice and eggs is best demonstrated by wet combing using a metal detection comb. Overuse of neurotoxic pediculicides has resulted in resistant populations of head lice on all continents. Dimethicones are the treatment of choice, with 97% efficacy.

• #33 Pediculosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470343/

  Head lice are the most common lice that cross all socioeconomic barriers. […] Infestations of head lice are more common in the warmer months, as well as in areas with higher humidity. Head lice cross all socioeconomic barriers, whereas body lice more commonly affect the homeless and displaced. […] Body lice live, lay their eggs in clothing or bedding, and only move to the skin to feed. They spread primarily by direct contact in populations with poor hygiene. However, they can also be transmitted through clothing, bedding, and towels.

• #34 Pediculosis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470343/

  Pediculosis (louse infestation) affects hundreds of millions worldwide each year and has been reported in all countries and socioeconomic classes. The three varieties that are parasitic to humans are Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse), Pthirus pubis (crab louse), and Pediculus humanus (body louse). Head lice cross all socioeconomic barriers, whereas body lice more commonly affect homeless and displaced populations. […] The head louse is an obligate parasite that spends its entire life on the human host. Head lice feed exclusively on blood. Lice are unable to jump or fly, and transmission requires close contact. Transmission of head lice is thought to occur by head-to-head contact, sharing of headgear, or other direct contact with fomites (inanimate objects that harbor the organism, such as movie seats).

• #35 What causes lice and how do you catch them? | Oswaldo Cruz Institute

  https://www.ioc.fiocruz.br/en/o-que-causa-piolho-de-cabeca-e-como-pega

  Head lice infestation, or pediculosis, is not linked to poor hygiene, financial status or behavior. Anyone can get head lice, regardless of gender, ethnicity, hygiene or family income. […] Transmission occurs when there is close proximity to someone who is infested or by sharing personal items, such as clothes, towels, sheets, hairbrushes and helmets. To avoid getting lice, the main recommendation is to avoid sharing these items.

• #36

  https://www.nasn.org/nasn-resources/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-head-lice

  Head lice infestation is a common concern worldwide, with both social and medical implications. In the United States it is estimated that 6-12 million head lice infestations occur in children 3-11 years of age each year. […] A head lice infestation is not a communicable disease and no health risks have been associated with head lice. […] Current research indicates that families are over- or incorrectly treating pediculosis, which may be a contributing factor in lice resistance. […] Both AAP and CDC assert that treatment should only be initiated when at least one live louse has been identified. […] Children with nits and live lice continue to be excluded from school by no nit and no live lice policies due to myths and misinformation. […] According to the CDC, The burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.

• #37 Lice (Phthiraptera) – Factsheet for health professionals

  https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/all-topics-z/disease-vectors/facts/factsheet-lice-phthiraptera

  Lice (Phthiraptera) are a very diverse group of insects, exclusively adapted to parasitism. […] Lice can be divided into two main groups: sucking lice (Anoplura) and chewing lice (Mallophaga). […] Only those sucking lice with humans as their host species are of relevance to public health. […] In humans, louse infestation is known as pediculosis if caused by head or body lice, and as pthiriasis if caused by pubic lice. […] The most common louse infestation in humans is pediculosis capitis (caused by Pediculus humanus capitis), particularly affecting school children between three and 11 years, and clinically manifesting as scalp pruritus. […] It is estimated that head lice infest more than 100 million people worldwide. […] Head lice and pubic lice are not known as vectors of pathogens, but head lice can be involved in mechanical transmission of opportunistic bacteria.

• #38 Head lice | Pediculosis | MedlinePlus

  https://medlineplus.gov/headlice.html

  Head lice are tiny insects that live on people’s heads. Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds. The eggs, called nits, are even smaller – about the size of a dandruff flake. Lice and nits are found on or near the scalp, most often at the neckline and behind the ears. […] Head lice are parasites, and they need to feed on human blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that live on humans. The other two types are body lice and pubic lice. Each type of lice is different, and getting one type does not mean that you will get another type. […] Lice move by crawling, because they cannot hop or fly. They spread by close person-to-person contact. Rarely, they can spread through sharing personal belongings such as hats or hairbrushes. Personal hygiene and cleanliness have nothing to do with getting head lice. You also cannot get pubic lice from animals. Head lice do not spread disease. […] Children ages 3-11 and their families get head lice most often. This is because young children often have head-to-head contact while playing together.

• #39 Head lice: Who gets and causes

  https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/head-lice-causes

  Anyone can get head lice. […] In the United States, children in preschool and elementary school are most likely to get head lice. […] Head-to-head contact is the most common way to get head lice. […] The lice move from one person to the next by crawling. […] Because head lice crawl onto objects that have touched the human head, it is possible to get head lice by sharing everyday objects infested with lice such as hats, scarves, coats, hair accessories, brushes, combs, and towels. […] Resting your head on a bed, pillow, couch, chair, or rug that someone with head lice used is another way to get head lice.

• #40 Head Lice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/head-lice-pro

  Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is caused by the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on and among the hair of the scalp and neck of humans. The adult louse feeds on blood. […] Transmission of head lice usually requires head-to-head contact. Head lice can only live on humans and the lifespan is very short (several days) once detached from a human head. […] Risk factors include age (3-12 years), sex (female) and ethnicity (any other than black). There is no evidence that head lice have a preference for either clean or dirty hair. […] It is very difficult to control the spread of head lice in children, due to the close contact that children normally have with each other. There is no evidence for any benefit of head lice repellents, or using head lice treatments prophylactically. There is also no evidence that measures beyond normal personal hygiene, housekeeping and laundry can prevent re-infestation.

• #41 Head lice | Pediculosis | MedlinePlus

  https://medlineplus.gov/headlice.html

  Head lice are tiny insects that live on people’s heads. Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds. The eggs, called nits, are even smaller – about the size of a dandruff flake. Lice and nits are found on or near the scalp, most often at the neckline and behind the ears. […] Head lice are parasites, and they need to feed on human blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that live on humans. The other two types are body lice and pubic lice. Each type of lice is different, and getting one type does not mean that you will get another type. […] Lice move by crawling, because they cannot hop or fly. They spread by close person-to-person contact. Rarely, they can spread through sharing personal belongings such as hats or hairbrushes. Personal hygiene and cleanliness have nothing to do with getting head lice. You also cannot get pubic lice from animals. Head lice do not spread disease. […] Children ages 3-11 and their families get head lice most often. This is because young children often have head-to-head contact while playing together.

• #42 What Is Head Lice? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://www.everydayhealth.com/lice/

  Head lice are tiny, wingless parasitic insects that reside on the scalp, where the temperature is warm, consistent, and very hospitable. […] Head lice is a 100 percent human issue. And since head lice survive and thrive solely on human blood, once theyre separated from their human host, they starve and perish within several hours. […] Contrary to popular belief, head lice cannot fly, jump, or hop, so its uncommon for people to spread lice by sharing belongings such as hats, helmets, and hair brushes. […] Instead, direct head-to-head contact is how we transfer lice, says Richard J. Pollack, PhD, a senior environmental public health officer and researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston. […] Children ages 3 to 11 get head lice most often. […] If you live with someone whos dealing with a head lice outbreak, your chances of also becoming infested go up, regardless of age.

• #43 Head Lice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/head-lice-pro

  Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is caused by the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on and among the hair of the scalp and neck of humans. The adult louse feeds on blood. […] Transmission of head lice usually requires head-to-head contact. Head lice can only live on humans and the lifespan is very short (several days) once detached from a human head. […] Risk factors include age (3-12 years), sex (female) and ethnicity (any other than black). There is no evidence that head lice have a preference for either clean or dirty hair. […] It is very difficult to control the spread of head lice in children, due to the close contact that children normally have with each other. There is no evidence for any benefit of head lice repellents, or using head lice treatments prophylactically. There is also no evidence that measures beyond normal personal hygiene, housekeeping and laundry can prevent re-infestation.

• #44 What Is Head Lice? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://www.everydayhealth.com/lice/

  Girls have a 2 to 4 times higher chance of becoming infested by lice than boys. […] Black children in the United States have far fewer reported head lice infestations than other ethnic groups, according to a report. […] Its thought that the lice most frequently found in the United States are less equipped to successfully grasp onto the shape and width of Black hair. […] Its also speculated that the use of oils and tightly coiled hair shafts may be reasons that lice occur less frequently in the hair of Black children.

• #45 Head Lice: Causes and Risk Factors

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/head-lice-causes-and-risk-factors-2633641

  African Americans are less likely to have lice. It may be that the claws of the lice are adapted to grasp a hair shaft of a certain size and shape, which is less common among that demographic group. […] Lice infestations are not related to hygiene, either personal (showering, washing hair) or environmental (the cleanliness of the home or school). […] Lice infestations occur in families of all socioeconomic classes. […] Lice continue to spread the longer a case goes undiagnosed and untreated. […] Myths and misinformation can continue the cycle of spreading lice and getting an infestation again and again. […] No. Lice are minuscule parasitic insects. They’re unrelated to any sort of microbial infection and do not spread disease.

• #46 What Is Head Lice? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

  https://www.everydayhealth.com/lice/

  Girls have a 2 to 4 times higher chance of becoming infested by lice than boys. […] Black children in the United States have far fewer reported head lice infestations than other ethnic groups, according to a report. […] Its thought that the lice most frequently found in the United States are less equipped to successfully grasp onto the shape and width of Black hair. […] Its also speculated that the use of oils and tightly coiled hair shafts may be reasons that lice occur less frequently in the hair of Black children.

• #47 What Is All This Itching About? Self-Care Management of Head Lice

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/what-is-all-this-itching-about-self-care-management-of-head-lice

  Infestations in the United States are less common among blacks; this may be due to their oval-shaped hair shafts, which are harder for lice to grasp. […] The issue of head lice resistance has recently been in the spotlight. In August 2015, a press conference was held to discuss the findings of an analysis of lice samples collected from across the U.S. The findings indicated that lice in at least 25 states have developed resistance to pyrethroids. […] Various other products have been used in the eradication of lice, including essential oils and occlusive agents such as petrolatum shampoos, margarine, mayonnaise, butter, and olive oil.

• #48 Head louse – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_louse

  The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feed exclusively on human blood. Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees and bonobos host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi. Other species of lice infest most orders of mammals and all orders of birds. […] The non-disease-carrying head louse differs from the related disease-carrying body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) in preferring to attach eggs to scalp hair rather than to clothing. […] The number of children per family, the sharing of beds and closets, hair washing habits, local customs and social contacts, healthcare in a particular area (e.g. school), and socioeconomic status were found to be significant factors in head louse infestation.

• #49 About Head Lice | Lice | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/lice/about/head-lice.html

  Head lice, or Pediculus humanus capitis, are parasitic insects that feed on human blood. […] Head lice mainly spread by direct contact with the hair of a person infested with lice. […] The most common way to get head lice is by head-to-head contact with a person who already has head lice. […] Getting head lice is not related to cleanliness of you or your environment. […] Head lice do not transmit any disease and therefore are not considered a health hazard.

• #50 Head Lice (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/head-lice.html

  Head lice are tiny wingless insects. They live among human hairs and feed on blood from the scalp. […] Head lice are a common problem, especially for kids. They spread easily from person to person, and sometimes are tough to get rid of. […] They’re not a sign of poor hygiene head lice need blood and they don’t care whether it’s from someone who’s clean or dirty. […] Head lice spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings like schools, childcare centers, slumber parties, sports activities, and camps. […] They spread through head-to-head contact, and sharing clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats. […] Having head lice is not a sign of dirtiness or poor hygiene. The pesky little bugs can be a problem no matter how often kids do or don’t wash their hair or bathe.

• #51 Head Lice: Causes and Risk Factors

  https://www.verywellhealth.com/head-lice-causes-and-risk-factors-2633641

  African Americans are less likely to have lice. It may be that the claws of the lice are adapted to grasp a hair shaft of a certain size and shape, which is less common among that demographic group. […] Lice infestations are not related to hygiene, either personal (showering, washing hair) or environmental (the cleanliness of the home or school). […] Lice infestations occur in families of all socioeconomic classes. […] Lice continue to spread the longer a case goes undiagnosed and untreated. […] Myths and misinformation can continue the cycle of spreading lice and getting an infestation again and again. […] No. Lice are minuscule parasitic insects. They’re unrelated to any sort of microbial infection and do not spread disease.

• #52 Head lice: causes and treatment | gesund.bund.de

  https://gesund.bund.de/en/head-lice-infestation

  Head lice mostly affect children. These parasites are almost always spread by direct physical contact for example, when children play together. […] Some people think that head lice are a sign of poor hygiene but this is not true as head lice feed on blood, they dont care whether hair is clean or dirty. Anyone can catch head lice.

• #53 Pediculosis and Pthiriasis (Lice Infestation): Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/225013-overview

  Causative organisms include P humanus capitis (head louse), P humanus corporis (body louse), and P pubis (pubic louse) […] Pediculosis capitis is transmitted through direct contact with an infested individual. Head-to-head contact, whether at school, home, or during play, can lead to a lice infestation; personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness do not contribute to the risk. There is no correlation between head lice and low socioeconomic status. […] Risk factors for body lice infestation include close, crowded living situations (eg, crowded buses and trains, prison camps) and infrequent washing and/or changing of clothing. P corporis can be acquired via bedding, towels, or clothing recently used by an individual infested with lice; thus, individuals who are homeless, who are impoverished, or who are living in refugee camps are at high risk for infestation.

• #54 How do you get lice? Causes and risk factors

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322485

  Lice spread through physical contact. Children are more likely to contract lice than adults. […] Researchers are unsure where lice originated, but they know that lice have affected primates for at least 25 million years, eventually spreading to humans. […] Head lice only affect humans, and they will not jump onto pets or other animals. […] Lice can also travel on objects that have touched the head. A person may get lice after sharing objects such as hats or towels. […] However, lice cannot survive long without feeding. They must move to a new head within around 24 hours, or they will die.

• #55 Head lice Information | Mount Sinai – New York

  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/head-lice

  Head lice spread by close contact with other people. […] Head lice infect hair on the head. Tiny eggs on the hair may look like flakes of dandruff. However, instead of flaking off the scalp, they stay in place. […] Head lice spread easily, particularly among school children ages 3 to 11 years. Head lice are more common in close, overcrowded living conditions. […] You can get head lice if: You come in close contact with a person who has lice. You touch the clothing or bedding of someone who has lice. You share hats, towels, brushes, or combs of someone who has lice. […] Having head lice does not mean the person has poor hygiene or low social status.

• #56 Azthena logo with the word Azthena

  https://www.news-medical.net/health/Causes-of-head-lice.aspx

  Head lice infestation is caused by a tiny insect called the Pediculus humanus capitis. […] Lice infestation may affect the head, body (by Pediculus humanus variety corporis) and groin (Pthirus pubis). […] These insects belong to the phylum Arthropoda, the class Insecta, the order Phthiraptera, and the suborder Anoplura. While all mammals may be hosts for all Anoplura, lice prefer human hosts.

• #57 Head louse – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_louse

  The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feed exclusively on human blood. Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees and bonobos host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi. Other species of lice infest most orders of mammals and all orders of birds. […] The non-disease-carrying head louse differs from the related disease-carrying body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) in preferring to attach eggs to scalp hair rather than to clothing. […] The number of children per family, the sharing of beds and closets, hair washing habits, local customs and social contacts, healthcare in a particular area (e.g. school), and socioeconomic status were found to be significant factors in head louse infestation.

• #58 Head Lice Causes, Adult Symptoms, Treatment, Shampoo, Tablet

  https://www.medicinenet.com/head_lice/article.htm

  Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are parasites that can be found on the heads of people. Pediculosis is the term for an infection with head lice. […] A child can contract head lice in several ways. […] Getting a head lice infection has nothing to do with personal hygiene. Anyone can become infested with head lice. […] Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who already has head lice, or even contaminated clothing and other belongings, is at risk for acquiring head lice. […] The adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, has six legs, and is tan to grayish-white in color. […] The nits hatch into nymphs, which become full-grown lice. […] Once diagnosed and treated effectively, the prognosis is excellent. […] It’s not always so easy to prevent head lice 100% of the time since it is a common infestation.

• #59 Head Lice: Causes and Symptoms – Proxim

  https://www.groupeproxim.ca/en/article/lice

  Lice are tiny insects, 1 to 3 mm long, about the size of a sesame seed, and greyish or tan in colour. They live on the scalp near the hair roots for up to 30 days. […] Lice are parasites that feed exclusively on human blood. Because they need to feed several times a day and require a certain temperature range to survive, lice that fall off a person’s head will die within 2 days. […] Lice can move very quickly from one infested person’s head to another by direct hair-to-hair contact. […] Adult lice and nymphs can be spread by contact with personal items (e.g., hats, combs, hairbrushes, pillowcases, etc.), but the risk is low because they die within 2 days if not on a human head. […] Lice do not spread disease and do not cause hair loss. […] Lice cannot be spread by pets because they cannot feed on them. […] The lice are resistant to the product. Microbes and parasites can adapt and become resistant to existing treatments.

• #60 Head Lice: Causes and Symptoms – Proxim

  https://www.groupeproxim.ca/en/article/lice

  Lice are tiny insects, 1 to 3 mm long, about the size of a sesame seed, and greyish or tan in colour. They live on the scalp near the hair roots for up to 30 days. […] Lice are parasites that feed exclusively on human blood. Because they need to feed several times a day and require a certain temperature range to survive, lice that fall off a person’s head will die within 2 days. […] Lice can move very quickly from one infested person’s head to another by direct hair-to-hair contact. […] Adult lice and nymphs can be spread by contact with personal items (e.g., hats, combs, hairbrushes, pillowcases, etc.), but the risk is low because they die within 2 days if not on a human head. […] Lice do not spread disease and do not cause hair loss. […] Lice cannot be spread by pets because they cannot feed on them. […] The lice are resistant to the product. Microbes and parasites can adapt and become resistant to existing treatments.

• #61 What Is All This Itching About? Self-Care Management of Head Lice

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/what-is-all-this-itching-about-self-care-management-of-head-lice

  The insect that causes infestation of the head and hair is Pediculus humanus capitis the head louse. This ectoparasite makes its home in the skin and hair of humans, feeding exclusively on human blood from the host every 4 to 6 hours. […] The female louse has a lifespan of approximately 1 month. During this time, it can lay up to 10 eggs a day. These eggs, or nits, are firmly attached with a gluelike substance to the hosts hair shaft close to the scalp. […] Head lice are wingless parasites that crawl; they do not jump or fly from one host to another. […] There is general agreement that direct head-to-head contact is the main mode of louse transmission. […] Age plays a substantial role in the occurrence of infestations, with children aged 3 to 11 years being the most likely group to become infested.

• #62 Head lice | Pediculosis | MedlinePlus

  https://medlineplus.gov/headlice.html

  Head lice are tiny insects that live on people’s heads. Adult lice are about the size of sesame seeds. The eggs, called nits, are even smaller – about the size of a dandruff flake. Lice and nits are found on or near the scalp, most often at the neckline and behind the ears. […] Head lice are parasites, and they need to feed on human blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that live on humans. The other two types are body lice and pubic lice. Each type of lice is different, and getting one type does not mean that you will get another type. […] Lice move by crawling, because they cannot hop or fly. They spread by close person-to-person contact. Rarely, they can spread through sharing personal belongings such as hats or hairbrushes. Personal hygiene and cleanliness have nothing to do with getting head lice. You also cannot get pubic lice from animals. Head lice do not spread disease. […] Children ages 3-11 and their families get head lice most often. This is because young children often have head-to-head contact while playing together.

• #63 How Do You Get Lice? Causes and Risk Factors

  https://www.health.com/how-do-you-get-lice-8710650

  Lice are parasites that survive on your body by living off your blood. Three types of lice impact humans: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice. Head lice, the most common type, are tiny seed-like insects on your scalp. […] You typically get lice from human-to-human contact (direct contact). You can also get lice from indirect contact, such as sharing clothing, bedding, or other personal items. […] Spreading head lice almost always happens through direct head-to-head or hair-to-hair contact with someone who has lice. […] Head and pubic lice primarily spread through direct human-to-human contact but can also be spread indirectly. […] Head lice sometimes spread when sharing clothing, hats, or other items where the lice have attached themselves to hair present on these items. […] Of the three types of lice, body lice are the most likely to indirectly spread because they can survive on clothing and linens for many hours.

• #64 Head louse – Wikipedia

  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_louse

  The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feed exclusively on human blood. Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees and bonobos host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi. Other species of lice infest most orders of mammals and all orders of birds. […] The non-disease-carrying head louse differs from the related disease-carrying body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) in preferring to attach eggs to scalp hair rather than to clothing. […] The number of children per family, the sharing of beds and closets, hair washing habits, local customs and social contacts, healthcare in a particular area (e.g. school), and socioeconomic status were found to be significant factors in head louse infestation.

• #65 Body Lice (Pediculosis): Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17919-body-lice

  Body lice spread by direct, person-to-person contact. You can also get body lice by sharing clothing, bedding, towels or other linens with someone who has body lice. […] Body lice can transmit diseases like: Typhus: A bacterial infection that causes a skin rash, fever and headaches. Trench fever: A bacterial infection that causes fever, weakness, dizziness, headaches and pain in your legs and back. Louse-borne relapsing fever: A bacterial infection that causes recurring fever, nausea and vomiting and muscle pains (myalgia). […] Most people with body lice recover without medication.

• #66 Head Lice

  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5165061/

  Conflicting information about the proper treatment of head lice has given rise to uncertainty among patients and treating personnel. The main route of transmission is direct head-to-head contact; transmission via inanimate objects is of no relevance. Resistance to neurotoxic pediculocidal drugs is increasing around the world. The spread of head lice depends on spatial and temporal factors, including the number of susceptible hosts, the duration of the infestation, and the duration and nature of hair-to-hair contact. The main transmission route for head lice is therefore close head-to-head contact. The immune system of the head louse has a smaller capacity for phagocytosis than that of the body louse. It has been shown that head lice can carry Rickettsia prowazekii and Bartonella quintana, and probably all infectious pathogens reported for body lice. The presence of lice and eggs is best demonstrated by wet combing using a metal detection comb. Overuse of neurotoxic pediculicides has resulted in resistant populations of head lice on all continents. Dimethicones are the treatment of choice, with 97% efficacy.

• #67 Human pediculosis, a global public health problem | Infectious Diseases of Poverty | Full Text

  https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w

  Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. […] Human blood-sucking lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Anoplura) comprise two families Pediculidae and Pthiridae, with the corresponding genera Pediculus and Pthirus, respectively. […] Head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. […] Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cyt b gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. […] In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. […] Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. […] Head louse infestation has historically been and is likely to remain a worldwide problem because head lice can infest people of all ages, and various social and economic status.

• #68 Human pediculosis, a global public health problem | Infectious Diseases of Poverty | Full Text

  https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w

  Body lice are predominantly prevalent in the homeless people, refugees and people living in crowded and/or unsanitary conditions. […] Pubic lice are mainly transmitted via sexual contact and are therefore more prevalent in adults than in children. […] Head lice belonging to clade C were found positive for the spirochaete Borrelia recurrentis, the causative agent of louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF). […] Body lice can transmit R. prowazekii, B. recurrentis and B. quintana, the causative agents of epidemic typhus, relapsing fever and trench fever, respectively. […] Pubic louse associated pathogens are listed in Table 2. […] The use of insecticides plays a crucial part in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. […] Louse resistance to insecticides is mediated by different mechanisms, such as knockdown resistance (kdr) to permethrin and resistance to malathion via enhanced carboxylesterase activity.

• #69 Human pediculosis, a global public health problem | Infectious Diseases of Poverty | Full Text

  https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w

  Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. […] Human blood-sucking lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Anoplura) comprise two families Pediculidae and Pthiridae, with the corresponding genera Pediculus and Pthirus, respectively. […] Head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. […] Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cyt b gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. […] In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. […] Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. […] Head louse infestation has historically been and is likely to remain a worldwide problem because head lice can infest people of all ages, and various social and economic status.

• #70 Human pediculosis, a global public health problem | Infectious Diseases of Poverty | Full Text

  https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w

  Human pediculosis is caused by hematophagous lice, which are transmitted between individuals via direct and/or indirect contact. […] Human blood-sucking lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Anoplura) comprise two families Pediculidae and Pthiridae, with the corresponding genera Pediculus and Pthirus, respectively. […] Head lice and body lice should be considered conspecific, with different genotypes and ecotypes. […] Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial (mt) cyt b gene sequences identified six distinct clades of lice worldwide. […] In addition to the direct effect on human health, lice can serve as vectors of disease-causing pathogens. […] Genome sequencing has advanced our knowledge of the genetic structure and evolutionary biology of human lice. […] Head louse infestation has historically been and is likely to remain a worldwide problem because head lice can infest people of all ages, and various social and economic status.

• #71 Head Lice: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10824-head-lice

  Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that can live in your hair. They bite your skin to suck your blood and attach their eggs (called nits) to your hair, close to your scalp. […] Head lice usually spread from person to person by direct contact. But they may also spread by sharing items that touch your head (like combs, brushes and hats). […] Adult lice lay eggs near your scalp and glue them to your hair. Five to 10 days later, the lice hatch. Over the next nine to 12 days, they’ll bite you several times to take a meal. They’ll grow into adults and lay more eggs, starting the cycle over again. […] Lice are becoming resistant to treatment. It may take a combination of treatments to get rid of them completely. […] Adult head lice can live without a host for only a day or two. Eggs can survive about 10 days.

• #72 Human pediculosis, a global public health problem | Infectious Diseases of Poverty | Full Text

  https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w

  Body lice are predominantly prevalent in the homeless people, refugees and people living in crowded and/or unsanitary conditions. […] Pubic lice are mainly transmitted via sexual contact and are therefore more prevalent in adults than in children. […] Head lice belonging to clade C were found positive for the spirochaete Borrelia recurrentis, the causative agent of louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF). […] Body lice can transmit R. prowazekii, B. recurrentis and B. quintana, the causative agents of epidemic typhus, relapsing fever and trench fever, respectively. […] Pubic louse associated pathogens are listed in Table 2. […] The use of insecticides plays a crucial part in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. […] Louse resistance to insecticides is mediated by different mechanisms, such as knockdown resistance (kdr) to permethrin and resistance to malathion via enhanced carboxylesterase activity.

• #73 Human pediculosis, a global public health problem | Infectious Diseases of Poverty | Full Text

  https://idpjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40249-022-00986-w

  Body lice are predominantly prevalent in the homeless people, refugees and people living in crowded and/or unsanitary conditions. […] Pubic lice are mainly transmitted via sexual contact and are therefore more prevalent in adults than in children. […] Head lice belonging to clade C were found positive for the spirochaete Borrelia recurrentis, the causative agent of louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF). […] Body lice can transmit R. prowazekii, B. recurrentis and B. quintana, the causative agents of epidemic typhus, relapsing fever and trench fever, respectively. […] Pubic louse associated pathogens are listed in Table 2. […] The use of insecticides plays a crucial part in the treatment and prevention of louse infestation. […] Louse resistance to insecticides is mediated by different mechanisms, such as knockdown resistance (kdr) to permethrin and resistance to malathion via enhanced carboxylesterase activity.

• #74 Head lice (nits) | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/head-lice-nits

  Head lice are small, wingless insects that live, breed and feed on the human scalp. They do not generally carry or transmit disease. Head lice have existed for millions of years and, in fact, predate human evolution. […] People catch head lice from direct head-to-head contact with another person who has head lice. This can happen when people play, cuddle or work closely together. Head lice are most common among children and their families. […] The 2 preferred treatment options available for initially treating head lice are the conditioner and comb method, and the use of an insecticide. […] Insecticide resistance is common, so you need to check that the lice you comb out are dead. If the insecticide has worked, the lice will be dead within 20 minutes. If the lice are not dead, the treatment has not worked and the lice are resistant to the product and all products containing the same active compound. […] The active compounds in head lice products are: pyrethrins, synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin, bioallethrin), organophosphates (maldison or malathion), herbal, with or without natural (non-chemical) pyrethrins.

• #75 What Is All This Itching About? Self-Care Management of Head Lice

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/what-is-all-this-itching-about-self-care-management-of-head-lice

  Infestations in the United States are less common among blacks; this may be due to their oval-shaped hair shafts, which are harder for lice to grasp. […] The issue of head lice resistance has recently been in the spotlight. In August 2015, a press conference was held to discuss the findings of an analysis of lice samples collected from across the U.S. The findings indicated that lice in at least 25 states have developed resistance to pyrethroids. […] Various other products have been used in the eradication of lice, including essential oils and occlusive agents such as petrolatum shampoos, margarine, mayonnaise, butter, and olive oil.

• #76 What Is All This Itching About? Self-Care Management of Head Lice

  https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/what-is-all-this-itching-about-self-care-management-of-head-lice

  Infestations in the United States are less common among blacks; this may be due to their oval-shaped hair shafts, which are harder for lice to grasp. […] The issue of head lice resistance has recently been in the spotlight. In August 2015, a press conference was held to discuss the findings of an analysis of lice samples collected from across the U.S. The findings indicated that lice in at least 25 states have developed resistance to pyrethroids. […] Various other products have been used in the eradication of lice, including essential oils and occlusive agents such as petrolatum shampoos, margarine, mayonnaise, butter, and olive oil.

• #77 Head Lice Management Guidelines–UC IPM

  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

  If live lice are found a day after treatment, suspect that resistance is occurring and discontinue use of that product. […] Head lice which are resistant to the active ingredients will survive. […] Lice are increasingly resistant to pyrethrin and permethrin. […] The efficacy of a treatment also depends on the number of lice present. […] Select a product with an active ingredient that head lice have not developed resistance to, for example, products containing benzyl alcohol, spinosad, and dimethicone.

• #78 ‘Help, My Kids Keep Getting Head Lice!’ Here’s How To Break The Cycle Of Nits | NSW Health PathologyAccessibility ToolsIncrease TextDecrease TextGrayscaleNegative ContrastLight BackgroundLinks UnderlineReset

  https://pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/articles/help-my-kids-keep-getting-head-lice-heres-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-nits/

  However, evidence seems to be mounting that some of these insecticides aren’t working as well as they once did. Resistance in head lice to commonly used products may be the result of their excessive or incorrect use. […] Head lice are still susceptible to alternative approaches. Products derived from Australian plants, such as tea tree or eucalyptus, may be better than insecticides. […] A strong recommendation by health authorities in Australia is to skip the sprays, creams, and lotions and embrace the “conditioner and comb” or “wet comb” method and physically remove the lice. […] Head lice eggs are less susceptible to treatment, no matter what treatment you choose.

• #79

  https://www.nasn.org/nasn-resources/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-head-lice

  Head lice infestation is a common concern worldwide, with both social and medical implications. In the United States it is estimated that 6-12 million head lice infestations occur in children 3-11 years of age each year. […] A head lice infestation is not a communicable disease and no health risks have been associated with head lice. […] Current research indicates that families are over- or incorrectly treating pediculosis, which may be a contributing factor in lice resistance. […] Both AAP and CDC assert that treatment should only be initiated when at least one live louse has been identified. […] Children with nits and live lice continue to be excluded from school by no nit and no live lice policies due to myths and misinformation. […] According to the CDC, The burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.

• #80 Head Lice Management Guidelines–UC IPM

  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

  If live lice are found a day after treatment, suspect that resistance is occurring and discontinue use of that product. […] Head lice which are resistant to the active ingredients will survive. […] Lice are increasingly resistant to pyrethrin and permethrin. […] The efficacy of a treatment also depends on the number of lice present. […] Select a product with an active ingredient that head lice have not developed resistance to, for example, products containing benzyl alcohol, spinosad, and dimethicone.

• #81 Head Lice Management Guidelines–UC IPM

  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

  If live lice are found a day after treatment, suspect that resistance is occurring and discontinue use of that product. […] Head lice which are resistant to the active ingredients will survive. […] Lice are increasingly resistant to pyrethrin and permethrin. […] The efficacy of a treatment also depends on the number of lice present. […] Select a product with an active ingredient that head lice have not developed resistance to, for example, products containing benzyl alcohol, spinosad, and dimethicone.

• #82 Head Lice Management Guidelines–UC IPM

  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

  If live lice are found a day after treatment, suspect that resistance is occurring and discontinue use of that product. […] Head lice which are resistant to the active ingredients will survive. […] Lice are increasingly resistant to pyrethrin and permethrin. […] The efficacy of a treatment also depends on the number of lice present. […] Select a product with an active ingredient that head lice have not developed resistance to, for example, products containing benzyl alcohol, spinosad, and dimethicone.

• #83 ‘Help, My Kids Keep Getting Head Lice!’ Here’s How To Break The Cycle Of Nits | NSW Health PathologyAccessibility ToolsIncrease TextDecrease TextGrayscaleNegative ContrastLight BackgroundLinks UnderlineReset

  https://pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/articles/help-my-kids-keep-getting-head-lice-heres-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-nits/

  However, evidence seems to be mounting that some of these insecticides aren’t working as well as they once did. Resistance in head lice to commonly used products may be the result of their excessive or incorrect use. […] Head lice are still susceptible to alternative approaches. Products derived from Australian plants, such as tea tree or eucalyptus, may be better than insecticides. […] A strong recommendation by health authorities in Australia is to skip the sprays, creams, and lotions and embrace the “conditioner and comb” or “wet comb” method and physically remove the lice. […] Head lice eggs are less susceptible to treatment, no matter what treatment you choose.

• #84 Patient education: Head lice (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/head-lice-beyond-the-basics

  A topical insecticide (pediculicide) is a substance, usually a lotion or gel, that is applied to the scalp to kill lice. […] Some insecticides must be applied twice to be effective. […] A second treatment is needed with permethrin, pyrethrin, and benzyl alcohol seven to nine days after the first treatment. […] Treatment with spinosad should be repeated if live lice remain after seven days. […] Other products, such as products containing topical dimethicone (a nonpesticide, silicone-based liquid also known as „dimethicone”), are marketed for the treatment of head lice in some regions. […] Studies have examined lotions and other materials (olive oil, butter, mayonnaise, petroleum jelly [Vaseline]) that are applied to the head, and then allowed to dry, with the goal of suffocating lice.

• #85 Head lice (nits) | Better Health Channel

  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/head-lice-nits

  Head lice are small, wingless insects that live, breed and feed on the human scalp. They do not generally carry or transmit disease. Head lice have existed for millions of years and, in fact, predate human evolution. […] People catch head lice from direct head-to-head contact with another person who has head lice. This can happen when people play, cuddle or work closely together. Head lice are most common among children and their families. […] The 2 preferred treatment options available for initially treating head lice are the conditioner and comb method, and the use of an insecticide. […] Insecticide resistance is common, so you need to check that the lice you comb out are dead. If the insecticide has worked, the lice will be dead within 20 minutes. If the lice are not dead, the treatment has not worked and the lice are resistant to the product and all products containing the same active compound. […] The active compounds in head lice products are: pyrethrins, synthetic pyrethroids (permethrin, bioallethrin), organophosphates (maldison or malathion), herbal, with or without natural (non-chemical) pyrethrins.

• #86 ‘Help, My Kids Keep Getting Head Lice!’ Here’s How To Break The Cycle Of Nits | NSW Health PathologyAccessibility ToolsIncrease TextDecrease TextGrayscaleNegative ContrastLight BackgroundLinks UnderlineReset

  https://pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/articles/help-my-kids-keep-getting-head-lice-heres-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-nits/

  However, evidence seems to be mounting that some of these insecticides aren’t working as well as they once did. Resistance in head lice to commonly used products may be the result of their excessive or incorrect use. […] Head lice are still susceptible to alternative approaches. Products derived from Australian plants, such as tea tree or eucalyptus, may be better than insecticides. […] A strong recommendation by health authorities in Australia is to skip the sprays, creams, and lotions and embrace the “conditioner and comb” or “wet comb” method and physically remove the lice. […] Head lice eggs are less susceptible to treatment, no matter what treatment you choose.

• #87 Patient education: Head lice (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/head-lice-beyond-the-basics

  A topical insecticide (pediculicide) is a substance, usually a lotion or gel, that is applied to the scalp to kill lice. […] Some insecticides must be applied twice to be effective. […] A second treatment is needed with permethrin, pyrethrin, and benzyl alcohol seven to nine days after the first treatment. […] Treatment with spinosad should be repeated if live lice remain after seven days. […] Other products, such as products containing topical dimethicone (a nonpesticide, silicone-based liquid also known as „dimethicone”), are marketed for the treatment of head lice in some regions. […] Studies have examined lotions and other materials (olive oil, butter, mayonnaise, petroleum jelly [Vaseline]) that are applied to the head, and then allowed to dry, with the goal of suffocating lice.

• #88 Head Lice Management Guidelines–UC IPM

  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

  However, braiding maximizes opportunities for head lice on all kinds of hair. […] Head lice infestation causes limited health impacts for most people, but it can cause a great deal of anxiety and embarrassment. […] Head lice are not a health hazard and do not transmit disease-causing pathogens, nor do they indicate poor hygiene. […] The presence of nits is not a reliable indication of an active infestation that needs to be treated. […] Many families with young children have at least one encounter with head lice. […] The most common sign of head lice infestation is itching on the back of the head or neck, which begins 1 to 4 weeks after the initial infestation. […] Detecting head lice can be time consuming, especially when the number of lice present is low. […] The best way to inspect for head lice is by wet combing the head.

• #89 Why Do Head Lice Make you Itch

  https://www.theliceremovalclinic.com/blog/why-do-lice-make-you-itch

  Lice feed on human blood, laying eggs on the hair shafts near the scalp. […] When the eggs hatch, the lice feed on human blood. […] Scientists believe that lice evolved from body lice, similar insects that live in clothing rather than on the scalp. […] Lice are thought to be spread through direct contact with someone who already has them. […] Lice are spread through direct contact with someone who has them or by sharing items like hats, brushes, or towels. […] Lice can cause a lot of itchiness and discomfort. […] Regularly washing your bedding and clothing in hot water can also help prevent lice from spreading.

• #90 Head Lice Management Guidelines–UC IPM

  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

  However, braiding maximizes opportunities for head lice on all kinds of hair. […] Head lice infestation causes limited health impacts for most people, but it can cause a great deal of anxiety and embarrassment. […] Head lice are not a health hazard and do not transmit disease-causing pathogens, nor do they indicate poor hygiene. […] The presence of nits is not a reliable indication of an active infestation that needs to be treated. […] Many families with young children have at least one encounter with head lice. […] The most common sign of head lice infestation is itching on the back of the head or neck, which begins 1 to 4 weeks after the initial infestation. […] Detecting head lice can be time consuming, especially when the number of lice present is low. […] The best way to inspect for head lice is by wet combing the head.

• #91 What Diseases Can Be Caused by Lice Infestation | LiceDoctors

  https://www.licedoctors.com/blog/what-diseases-can-be-caused-by-lice-infestation

  Head lice, small parasitic insects that infest the scalp and hair, are about the size of a sesame seed. […] While head lice themselves don’t transmit diseases, their presence can lead to secondary infections due to scratching, including bacterial infections like impetigo. […] Head lice may seem like a minor annoyance, but they have the potential to cause health issues if not addressed promptly. Beyond the persistent itching, a hallmark symptom of head lice, they can pave the way for secondary bacterial infections, skin conditions like impetigo, and, in rare instances, may even harbor uncommon pathogens. […] Although head lice themselves don’t directly transmit diseases, they can lead to secondary bacterial infections. […] While these infections are usually treatable with antibiotics, it’s crucial to address lice infestations promptly to prevent such complications.

• #92 What Diseases Can Be Caused by Lice Infestation | LiceDoctors

  https://www.licedoctors.com/blog/what-diseases-can-be-caused-by-lice-infestation

  Impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection, can develop as a result of a head lice infestation. […] While head lice themselves are not known to transmit diseases, they have been found to harbor certain rare pathogens in some cases. […] The primary focus in managing head lice should be on effective treatment and preventing secondary complications rather than concerns about rare pathogen transmission. […] Because an untreated head lice infestation can cause severe itching from lice bites, or the tickling feeling some experience, what happens if you have head lice too long is that the frequent scratching can lead to breaking the skin with dirty fingernails, potentially leading to secondary infections, like staph infections and impetigo. […] While an infestation on the head may cause discomfort, stress, and itching from lice bites from both adult and baby lice drinking human blood, there are no louse-borne diseases spread by them. […] If there is evidence of continued rash or significant skin inflammation even after the Pediculus humanus has been eliminated, see your doctor to rule out a secondary infection and treat it if necessary.

• #93 Head Lice: Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis | LiceDoctors | LiceDoctors

  https://www.licedoctors.com/blog/what-are-the-symptoms-of-lice

  The bad news is, untreated head lice may lead to other medical issues. Advanced lice may cause intense itching, and frequent scratching can lead to a skin infection. […] If head lice or products used for treating lice cause pain, fever, open sores, swelling, or severe allergic reactions on the skin, clinical dermatology may be necessary for the proper treatment of the tender skin. […] Keeping a clean house cannot prevent the spread of head lice (although it can prevent body lice). Since head lice can’t live long off a human host, house cleaning is not effective disease control for head lice.

• #94 Head Lice (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/head-lice.html

  Head lice are tiny wingless insects. They live among human hairs and feed on blood from the scalp. […] Head lice are a common problem, especially for kids. They spread easily from person to person, and sometimes are tough to get rid of. […] They’re not a sign of poor hygiene head lice need blood and they don’t care whether it’s from someone who’s clean or dirty. […] Head lice spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings like schools, childcare centers, slumber parties, sports activities, and camps. […] They spread through head-to-head contact, and sharing clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats. […] Having head lice is not a sign of dirtiness or poor hygiene. The pesky little bugs can be a problem no matter how often kids do or don’t wash their hair or bathe.

• #95 Lice (Phthiraptera) – Factsheet for health professionals

  https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/all-topics-z/disease-vectors/facts/factsheet-lice-phthiraptera

  The presence of sucking lice can cause irritation through the permanent blood feeding. […] Sucking lice infesting animals can transmit certain pathogens, such as swine pox virus and bovine anaplasmosis. […] Only the body louse is considered to be a vector of human pathogens. […] The diseases transmitted by body lice are usually associated with overcrowded and unsanitary conditions where basic hygiene is lacking and regular washing and changing of clothes is not possible. […] Head lice can transmit two opportunistic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes on their external surfaces, mechanically. […] Other pathogens have also been identified in head lice (Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Acinetobacter baumannii) but the role of head lice in their transmission is unknown.

• #96 Lice (Phthiraptera) – Factsheet for health professionals

  https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/all-topics-z/disease-vectors/facts/factsheet-lice-phthiraptera

  The presence of sucking lice can cause irritation through the permanent blood feeding. […] Sucking lice infesting animals can transmit certain pathogens, such as swine pox virus and bovine anaplasmosis. […] Only the body louse is considered to be a vector of human pathogens. […] The diseases transmitted by body lice are usually associated with overcrowded and unsanitary conditions where basic hygiene is lacking and regular washing and changing of clothes is not possible. […] Head lice can transmit two opportunistic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes on their external surfaces, mechanically. […] Other pathogens have also been identified in head lice (Coxiella burnetii, Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Acinetobacter baumannii) but the role of head lice in their transmission is unknown.

• #97 Head Lice: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention | Live Science

  https://www.livescience.com/34732-head-lice-prevention-treatment.html

  A sesame seed-size parasite that feeds on human blood, the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is a nuisance known around the world. […] However, several studies conducted in recent years in other areas of the world, including Africa, suggest that certain species of head lice are capable of carrying infectious disease. […] One study, outlined in the May 2013 issue of the journal Emerging Infectious Disease, found that head lice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo could spread plague. And another study, outlined in the same journal in May 2014, found that human body lice carrying a pathogen that can cause trench fever among other diseases can also inhabit human hair.

• #98 ‘Help, My Kids Keep Getting Head Lice!’ Here’s How To Break The Cycle Of Nits | NSW Health PathologyAccessibility ToolsIncrease TextDecrease TextGrayscaleNegative ContrastLight BackgroundLinks UnderlineReset

  https://pathology.health.nsw.gov.au/articles/help-my-kids-keep-getting-head-lice-heres-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-nits/

  Head lice, known by their scientific name Pediculus humanus capitis, are tiny insects that are only found among the hair on a human’s head. They’re not found anywhere else on the planet. […] Head lice feed on the scalp and have specially designed mouth-parts to suck out blood up to a half dozen times a day. […] While closely related lice have been implicated in the spread of some of the most dangerous and deadly pathogens to human health, head lice are much more benign. […] Health authorities in Australia do not consider head lice a risk of transmitting pathogens that are harmful to humans. […] There is a wide range of products available at your local pharmacy to treat head lice. These products should be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration and be assessed as both safe and effective to use.

• #99

  https://www.nasn.org/nasn-resources/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-head-lice

  Head lice infestation is a common concern worldwide, with both social and medical implications. In the United States it is estimated that 6-12 million head lice infestations occur in children 3-11 years of age each year. […] A head lice infestation is not a communicable disease and no health risks have been associated with head lice. […] Current research indicates that families are over- or incorrectly treating pediculosis, which may be a contributing factor in lice resistance. […] Both AAP and CDC assert that treatment should only be initiated when at least one live louse has been identified. […] Children with nits and live lice continue to be excluded from school by no nit and no live lice policies due to myths and misinformation. […] According to the CDC, The burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.

• #100 Head Lice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/head-lice-pro

  Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is caused by the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on and among the hair of the scalp and neck of humans. The adult louse feeds on blood. […] Transmission of head lice usually requires head-to-head contact. Head lice can only live on humans and the lifespan is very short (several days) once detached from a human head. […] Risk factors include age (3-12 years), sex (female) and ethnicity (any other than black). There is no evidence that head lice have a preference for either clean or dirty hair. […] It is very difficult to control the spread of head lice in children, due to the close contact that children normally have with each other. There is no evidence for any benefit of head lice repellents, or using head lice treatments prophylactically. There is also no evidence that measures beyond normal personal hygiene, housekeeping and laundry can prevent re-infestation.

• #101 Head Lice (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth

  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/head-lice.html

  Head lice are tiny wingless insects. They live among human hairs and feed on blood from the scalp. […] Head lice are a common problem, especially for kids. They spread easily from person to person, and sometimes are tough to get rid of. […] They’re not a sign of poor hygiene head lice need blood and they don’t care whether it’s from someone who’s clean or dirty. […] Head lice spread quickly from person to person, especially in group settings like schools, childcare centers, slumber parties, sports activities, and camps. […] They spread through head-to-head contact, and sharing clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats. […] Having head lice is not a sign of dirtiness or poor hygiene. The pesky little bugs can be a problem no matter how often kids do or don’t wash their hair or bathe.

• #102 Why Do Head Lice Make you Itch

  https://www.theliceremovalclinic.com/blog/why-do-lice-make-you-itch

  Lice feed on human blood, laying eggs on the hair shafts near the scalp. […] When the eggs hatch, the lice feed on human blood. […] Scientists believe that lice evolved from body lice, similar insects that live in clothing rather than on the scalp. […] Lice are thought to be spread through direct contact with someone who already has them. […] Lice are spread through direct contact with someone who has them or by sharing items like hats, brushes, or towels. […] Lice can cause a lot of itchiness and discomfort. […] Regularly washing your bedding and clothing in hot water can also help prevent lice from spreading.

• #103 Head Lice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/head-lice-pro

  Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is caused by the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on and among the hair of the scalp and neck of humans. The adult louse feeds on blood. […] Transmission of head lice usually requires head-to-head contact. Head lice can only live on humans and the lifespan is very short (several days) once detached from a human head. […] Risk factors include age (3-12 years), sex (female) and ethnicity (any other than black). There is no evidence that head lice have a preference for either clean or dirty hair. […] It is very difficult to control the spread of head lice in children, due to the close contact that children normally have with each other. There is no evidence for any benefit of head lice repellents, or using head lice treatments prophylactically. There is also no evidence that measures beyond normal personal hygiene, housekeeping and laundry can prevent re-infestation.

• #104 Head Lice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/head-lice-pro

  Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is caused by the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on and among the hair of the scalp and neck of humans. The adult louse feeds on blood. […] Transmission of head lice usually requires head-to-head contact. Head lice can only live on humans and the lifespan is very short (several days) once detached from a human head. […] Risk factors include age (3-12 years), sex (female) and ethnicity (any other than black). There is no evidence that head lice have a preference for either clean or dirty hair. […] It is very difficult to control the spread of head lice in children, due to the close contact that children normally have with each other. There is no evidence for any benefit of head lice repellents, or using head lice treatments prophylactically. There is also no evidence that measures beyond normal personal hygiene, housekeeping and laundry can prevent re-infestation.

• #105 Lice – Blue Fish Pediatrics – Texas

  https://bluefishmd.com/general-health-topics/other-med-issues/lice/

  Head lice infect hair on the head. They are easiest to see on the neck and over the ears. […] Head lice can survive up to 30 days on a human. Their eggs can live for more than 2 weeks. […] Head lice spread easily. You can get head lice when you come in close contact with a person who has lice, or by touching their clothing or bedding. Head lice are more common in close, overcrowded living conditions. Lice spread easily among school children. […] Having head lice does NOT mean the person has poor hygiene or low social status. […] Having head lice causes intense itching, but does not lead to serious medical problems. Unlike body lice, head lice never carry or spread diseases. […] Lice are usually killed with proper treatment. However, lice may come back, especially if the source is not corrected. For example, a classroom with many infected children can cause kids to repeatedly get lice. […] When one case is detected in a family or a school or child-care center, every child at that location should be examined for head lice. This can help prevent further spreading.

• #106 Lice – Blue Fish Pediatrics – Texas

  https://bluefishmd.com/general-health-topics/other-med-issues/lice/

  Head lice infect hair on the head. They are easiest to see on the neck and over the ears. […] Head lice can survive up to 30 days on a human. Their eggs can live for more than 2 weeks. […] Head lice spread easily. You can get head lice when you come in close contact with a person who has lice, or by touching their clothing or bedding. Head lice are more common in close, overcrowded living conditions. Lice spread easily among school children. […] Having head lice does NOT mean the person has poor hygiene or low social status. […] Having head lice causes intense itching, but does not lead to serious medical problems. Unlike body lice, head lice never carry or spread diseases. […] Lice are usually killed with proper treatment. However, lice may come back, especially if the source is not corrected. For example, a classroom with many infected children can cause kids to repeatedly get lice. […] When one case is detected in a family or a school or child-care center, every child at that location should be examined for head lice. This can help prevent further spreading.

• #107 Head lice – including symptoms treatment and prevention | SA Health

  https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/bites+stings+and+pests/head+lice+-+including+symptoms+treatment+and+prevention

  A number of head lice treatments are available without prescription. Follow directions on the packaging. The two most common head lice treatment methods are: wet combing involves wetting the hair and scalp liberally with hair conditioner to stun the head lice, then combing the head lice and nits out; Pediculicides which are chemical treatments that kill head lice. […] Family members may also need treatment. […] Re-treatment after 7 to 10 days is necessary because lice in unhatched eggs may not be killed by the first treatment. […] Head lice infestation can be prevented by the following measures: A child with head lice does not need to be sent home from childcare or school immediately but should be treated on the same day. Children may return to school the day after appropriate treatment has been given. […] Concentrate on the head. It is not necessary to treat the house or classroom. […] Combs and brushes should be cleaned with detergent and hot water. […] Bed linen should be washed in hot water (60C or more), or dried in a clothes dryer on the hot setting for at least 20 minutes.

• #108 Head lice – including symptoms treatment and prevention | SA Health

  https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/bites+stings+and+pests/head+lice+-+including+symptoms+treatment+and+prevention

  A number of head lice treatments are available without prescription. Follow directions on the packaging. The two most common head lice treatment methods are: wet combing involves wetting the hair and scalp liberally with hair conditioner to stun the head lice, then combing the head lice and nits out; Pediculicides which are chemical treatments that kill head lice. […] Family members may also need treatment. […] Re-treatment after 7 to 10 days is necessary because lice in unhatched eggs may not be killed by the first treatment. […] Head lice infestation can be prevented by the following measures: A child with head lice does not need to be sent home from childcare or school immediately but should be treated on the same day. Children may return to school the day after appropriate treatment has been given. […] Concentrate on the head. It is not necessary to treat the house or classroom. […] Combs and brushes should be cleaned with detergent and hot water. […] Bed linen should be washed in hot water (60C or more), or dried in a clothes dryer on the hot setting for at least 20 minutes.

• #109

  https://www.nasn.org/nasn-resources/professional-practice-documents/position-statements/ps-head-lice

  Head lice infestation is a common concern worldwide, with both social and medical implications. In the United States it is estimated that 6-12 million head lice infestations occur in children 3-11 years of age each year. […] A head lice infestation is not a communicable disease and no health risks have been associated with head lice. […] Current research indicates that families are over- or incorrectly treating pediculosis, which may be a contributing factor in lice resistance. […] Both AAP and CDC assert that treatment should only be initiated when at least one live louse has been identified. […] Children with nits and live lice continue to be excluded from school by no nit and no live lice policies due to myths and misinformation. […] According to the CDC, The burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.

• #110 Head Lice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment | Doctor

  https://patient.info/doctor/head-lice-pro

  Head lice infestation (pediculosis capitis) is caused by the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on and among the hair of the scalp and neck of humans. The adult louse feeds on blood. […] Transmission of head lice usually requires head-to-head contact. Head lice can only live on humans and the lifespan is very short (several days) once detached from a human head. […] Risk factors include age (3-12 years), sex (female) and ethnicity (any other than black). There is no evidence that head lice have a preference for either clean or dirty hair. […] It is very difficult to control the spread of head lice in children, due to the close contact that children normally have with each other. There is no evidence for any benefit of head lice repellents, or using head lice treatments prophylactically. There is also no evidence that measures beyond normal personal hygiene, housekeeping and laundry can prevent re-infestation.

• #111 When Lice Come Back

  https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/lice-comes-back

  There are two reasons for a recurrent lice infestation: […] Treatments might not work for a couple of reasons. First, studies have shown that lice can be resistant to pesticide treatments that have been used in some geographical areas. […] Second, female adult lice lay up to eight eggs a day. Over-the-counter lice treatments and prescription ones kill live lice and their eggs (nits), but they might not catch all of them. […] If lice keep returning, ask a doctor about the best treatment options for your family. You’ll also want to find the exact source of the mites.

• #112 Head Lice Management Guidelines–UC IPM

  https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

  Normal shampooing, hair-conditioning, brushing, and hair-drying will kill a large number of lice and is likely a significant reason why not all louse transfer results in an infestation. […] There are seven critical steps to controlling an infestation of head lice. […] It is very important that the methods used to control head lice not cause more health problems than the head lice themselves. […] Treatment with pesticides can be harmful to human health and the environment and is often not the most effective solution for head lice. […] Many insecticide treatments can be harsh on a person’s hair and very drying to the scalp, which in turn can cause an increase in dried scalp flakes and dandruff that might be mistaken for nits. […] Lice should die within a day of treatment with a pyrethrin or permethrin application.

• #113 When Lice Come Back

  https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/lice-comes-back

  There are two reasons for a recurrent lice infestation: […] Treatments might not work for a couple of reasons. First, studies have shown that lice can be resistant to pesticide treatments that have been used in some geographical areas. […] Second, female adult lice lay up to eight eggs a day. Over-the-counter lice treatments and prescription ones kill live lice and their eggs (nits), but they might not catch all of them. […] If lice keep returning, ask a doctor about the best treatment options for your family. You’ll also want to find the exact source of the mites.

Zobacz więcej