Lice

What are Lice

Lice are tiny insects with claws on the ends of their legs. They are small parasites that live on the human body. A parasite is an insect that lives off another animal and cannot survive without it.

Lice often make their home in a person’s hair, such as hair on the head or in the pubic area. Pubic lice are sometimes referred to as crabs. Lice hatch from little round eggs, which are attached to the base of hairs. Lice eggs are also called nits.

Lice can spread from one person to another. Lice crawl. They do not fly or jump. Lice cause skin irritation and itching in the area of the infested hair. Although having lice can be annoying, it is not dangerous. Lice do not spread diseases. Treatment will usually clear up the symptoms within a few days.

What are the causes?

This condition may be caused by:

Pubic lice are spread through sexual contact.

What increases the risk?

Although having lice is more common among young children, anyone can get lice. Lice tend to thrive in warm weather, so that type of weather increases the risk.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on:

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition includes:

Pregnant women should not use medicated shampoo or cream without first talking to their health care provider.

Follow these instructions at home:

Using medicated rinse

Apply medicated rinse as told by your health care provider. Follow the label instructions carefully. General instructions for applying rinses may include these steps:

General instructions

  • Remove any remaining lice, eggs, or egg cases using a fine-tooth comb.
  • Use hot water to wash all towels, hats, scarves, jackets, bedding, and clothing that you have recently used.
  • Put any non-washable items that may have been exposed into plastic bags. Keep the bags closed for 2 weeks.
  • Soak all combs and brushes in hot water for 10 minutes.
  • Vacuum furniture to remove any loose hair. There is no need to use chemicals, which can be poisonous (toxic). Lice survive for only 1–2 days away from human skin. Eggs may survive for only 1 week.
  • For pubic lice, tell any sexual partners to seek treatment.
  • For head lice, ask your health care provider if other family members or close contacts should be examined or treated as well.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You develop sores that look infected.
  • Your rash or sores do not go away in 1 week.
  • The lice or eggs return or do not go away in spite of treatment.

Summary

  • Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the human body. A parasite is an insect that lives off another animal and cannot survive without it.
  • Lice can spread from one person to another through close contact with an infested person or by sharing personal items, such as combs, brushes, or hats.
  • Lice can be treated with a medicated rinse. Follow your health care provider’s instructions, or instructions on the label, if you are being treated with this medicine.
  • Ask your health care provider if your family members or close contacts should be treated for lice.
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