Lice

Lice are small insects without wings. They are found on the scalp, pubic hair, body, or clothing. Lice lay eggs called nits.

Who gets lice?

• Head lice are most common in children.
• Pubic lice are most common in young adults.
• Body lice are most common in people who do not bathe or wash their clothes often.

Signs of lice are:

• Head lice:
  • Severe head and scalp itching
  • Infection and redness from itching, which leads to more itching
  • Lice and nits in the hair, scalp, behind the eats, or at the nape of the neck
• Pubic lice:
  • Severe itching of the genital/anus area 
  • Lice and nits in pubic hair and/or other parts of the body covered by hair
  • Pubic lice are rarely found on the scalp.
• Body lice:
  • Severe itching of the skin
  • Lice and nits are mostly found in the seams of clothing.
  • Body lice are rarely found on the skin.

How are lice spread?

• Head lice are spread through head-to-head contact and by sharing brushes or hats.
• Pubic lice are spread through sexual or very close body contact.
• Body lice are spread by contact with the infected person's clothes or linen.

Lice is treated by:

• Head and pubic lice:
  • Use an over-the-counter treatment such as a special shampoo.
  • Always check with a pharmacist when buying anything over-the-counter.
• Body lice:
  • Take a bath.
  • Launder clothes and bed linens in hot water and dry in the dryer.
  • Medicines are not needed since body lice live in clothing and not on skin.

How to clean your home after lice

• Vacuum floors, rugs, pillows, furniture.
• Machine wash clothing, linen, and cloth toys in hot water (125° F).
• Items that cannot be machine washed may be:
  • Machine dried on the hottest setting for 20 minutes
  • Put in a sealed plastic bag for ten days
• Soak combs and brushes in special chemicals or hot water (150° F).

Common myths about lice