Head lice are small, parasitic insects that live on the human scalp. While they are not fully dangerous and don’t spread disease, they can truly be a nuisance. Most people know that head lice are contagious, but there are still some misconceptions about how they are spread and how contagious they are.
Here are some facts to know about head lice spreading and being contagious that everyone should know:
Are Head Lice Truly Contagious?
Yes, it has been proven that head lice are indeed contagious. They are spread through direct contact with someone who has them or by sharing contaminated items like hats, brushes, or pillows. Head lice are not as contagious as some other communicable diseases, but they can still be passed relatively easily from one person to another.
How Is Head Lice Spread?
Head lice are most commonly spread through direct contact with someone who has them. Some of these include:
- Sharing Articles of Clothing with an Infested Person
Head lice are often spread when people share hats, scarves, or other articles of clothing with someone who has them. The lice can then crawl from the infested person’s head onto the other person’s head.
- Utilising Different Hair Tools of an Infested Person
People who use the same hairbrushes, combs, hair ties, or other hair tools as an infested person are also at risk of developing head lice. Lice may spread from the head of the infested person to the tools and then back to your head.
- Lying On the Surfaces of an Infested Person
Head lice can spread when people lie on beds, pillows, or other surfaces that someone with lice has used. Lice may fall off of the infested person’s head and onto the surface. If you then lie on the same surface, the lice may be able to crawl onto your head.
How Is Head Lice Infestation Confirmed?
Head lice infestation is confirmed by finding lice or nits on the head. The easiest way to do this is to use a fine-toothed comb. If you have head lice, your doctor will likely be able to see them by looking at your scalp. Head lice are insects that can be hard to spot. They move quickly and can be hard to catch.
How Is Head Lice Treatment Done?
There are several ways to treat and remove head lice. The most common treatment is to use a medicated shampoo. These products kill the lice and nits. After using the shampoo, you must comb your hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove the dead lice and nits. Just steer clear of any nasty ingredients.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is important to know how head lice are spread and how contagious they are. Head lice can be a headache to deal with, after all. Being aware of these facts will help you reduce the risk of getting your head infested with head lice and remove them from your hair.
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