Head lice are a common fear among parents. While they’re certainly no picnic, we can confidently say that they’re more of a nuisance than anything. After picking out lice from many, many heads, there are a few important things we’ve learned along the way. A lice infestation may not be pretty, but luckily, it’s not hazardous to your child’s health.
Below we cover some interesting facts about head lice that you probably didn’t know. If you have other questions or want to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals nitpickers, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help!
1. Yes, lice do bite.
Even though lice do not transmit disease to humans, they can be extremely annoying. Lice do bite and tend to get the area behind behind the ears and the back of the head. They prefer these areas because they’re warm. Lice can bite in other places, too. Really, it just depends on where they are feeding. Typically, you won’t feel a lice bite, but they can cause an allergic reaction, which we’ll discuss next.
2. Some people are allergic to lice bites.
The itchiness that is associated with head lice comes from an allergic reaction that occurs from the lice bites. The itching comes from a louse’s saliva and some people are more sensitive to it than others. However, a lot of people won’t notice the itching until 2-4 weeks into the infestation. It’s more prominent at this point because of the number of lice.
3. Head lice infestations can lead to skin rashes.
A head lice infestation that isn’t treated right away can lead to an itchy rash. Usually, this rash is found on the scalp and nape of the neck. It’s red, bumpy and itchy, and without treatment, the blisters can break and lead to infection. Fortunately, the symptoms are treatable with over-the-counter medications like hydrocortisone cream. Of course, the only permanent way to get rid of the rash is to treat the head lice.
4. As annoying as they are, lice do not transmit disease.
Head lice are not known to spread disease. Because of this, the CDC does not recognize them as a health hazard. The main complications with head lice are irritability, sleeplessness and sores on the head that can sometimes turn into an infection. Body lice, on the other hand, can spread disease. This is why there is sometimes confusion between the two, but body lice and head lice are very different from one another.
Lice are 100% Treatable! Call My Hair Helpers Today!
Getting head lice is certainly unlucky, but it’s nothing to fret over. My Hair Helpers offers safe, effective head lice treatment solutions for kids and adults of all ages. If you live in Southern California, you can schedule an appointment with us. If you’re out of the area, you can purchase our silicone-based products on Amazon. With our 30-Day Lice Free Guarantee and Lifetime Protection, you’re in great hands with us!
