Head lice are very tiny, parasitic insects. They inhabit the hair and scalp of humans. Head lice feed only on human blood, which they require for nourishment. Head lice do not infest pets or livestock.
Despite common misconceptions, head lice can affect people of all ages, rich or poor. Head lice do not reflect one's socioeconomic status or social class. Furthermore, head lice are not signs of uncleanliness. Regular washing of the body or hair will not prevent head lice.
Head lice are spread from people who have head lice. Direct, head-to-head contact is the main way head lice are spread, but they also may be transmitted by sharing infested items such as hair-care items and clothing. Head lice can be considered a communicable disease, somewhat comparable to the common cold.
These tiny insects can be a major pest problem. Infestations can spread quickly among individuals. Head lice are big inconveniences, typically requiring weeks of periodic intervention and surveillance to combat an infestation.
Pediculosis is the medical term for a lice infestation. This is an inclusive term that does not distinguish among the various types of human lice, such as body lice and crab lice. Head lice are distinctly different from these other types of lice that occur on humans. Body lice typically are found attached to clothing fibers. They periodically move to the human body to feed on blood. Body-lice infestations flourish in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions where clothing is not changed regularly. Crab lice are found primarily in the pubic region, where they feed on human blood. Crab lice are sexually transmitted.
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| Fig.1. Nit (egg), 1/32 inch | Fig.2. Adult head louse , 1/16 inch |
Although head lice can infest humans of any age, they most commonly occur among children that have close contact with each other at school and at play. About 5 to10 percent of all school children contract head lice at one time or another. Head lice ultimately are a community problem.
Educators, parents, and children need to understand that absolutely no shame should be associated with having head lice. How school educators handle the situation will greatly affect how the students treat each other. Do not call undue attention to any person having head lice. For example, it is not necessary to shave the hair. Anyone can get head lice—even you!