Lice are parasites that live on or inside another organism (the host). These insects are most commonly found on people’s heads and ears, and in some cases on the arms and legs.
They can be hard to spot because they’re small, avoid light and move quickly. They are also difficult to treat because they don’t like heat.
Head lice can be a real nuisance and it is important to treat them before they get too serious. They can cause itching, rashes and scalp irritation that can make children have trouble sleeping.
1. They Can Be Hard to Spot
The first sign that a person may have lice is an itchy scalp. This itch is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva that the louse injects into the scalp when it bites. This itch can happen immediately after lice bites or take up to 2 weeks to develop, says Dr. Garcia.
2. They Can Be Tough to Remove
The hardest part of treating a lice infestation is finding and removing all of the live nymphs, adult lice, and nits on a child’s hair. This can be time consuming and can require multiple treatments.
3. They Can be Difficult to Treat
If a child has an infestation, the treatment process can be overwhelming for parents and children. The treatment usually involves a number of steps, including shampoos, creams, and lotions. The treatment can also involve decontaminating items that touched the child’s head or skin.
4. They Can Be Itchy But Not Severe
A person can have an itchy scalp for several reasons, including dandruff, eczema, allergies and even some types of acne. But if itchy skin is coupled with frequent scratching, it’s a sure sign of a lice problem.
5. They Can Be Tough to Remove
After an initial treatment, the person with lice will need to be treated again 7-10 days later to ensure all live nits are removed from the hair. This can be a hassle, but it’s important because these nits can reproduce very quickly and the infestation will become more severe if not treated promptly.
6. They Can Be Itchy But Not Severe
The most common symptom of lice is itching. This itch is caused by an allergic response to the saliva that the louse injects when it bites.
7. They Can Be Tough to Remove
After a treatment, the person with lice will need to have their head treated again seven-10 days later to ensure all live nits and adult lice are removed from the hair. This can be time consuming, but it’s important because these strands of hair can reproduce very quickly and the infestation will become much more severe if not treated promptly.
8. They Can Be Itchy But Not Severe
The most common symptom of lice is itching. this itch is caused by an allergic response to their saliva that the louse injects into your scalp when it bites.
