Head Lice: Measures To Prevent The Spread From Person To Person

Where do head lice come from? No one knows for sure

, but evidence of lice goes back many centuries. Their shells have been found on mummies once sealed in ancient tombs, as well as in prehistoric burial grounds in North America. There are literary references to lice as far back as 16 B.C, where Egyptians once concocted their own remedies for head lice.

In most cases head lice are transmitted from one human to another, primarily through head-to-head contact. While most references report them as most commonly found on children ranging from age three to eleven, newer research shows the largest number of cases are found in children between the ages of nine and 16.

While it is possible to pick up a hitchhiker (an abandoned strand of hair with a louse still attached), it is suspected that less than 2% of all active cases are actually contracted in this manner. Lice eggs, or nits as they are commonly referred to, also are of little concern as they cannot reattach themselves to a new head of hair.

Lice can not travel from humans to animals or back, nor can they fly -- so the most likely way to become infected is to come in direct physical contact with hair care items, clothing, bedding or even furniture that has been used by a person with head lice.

Even though a small number of infections happen because of loose strands of hair, treating for head lice means treating the entire household. Wash all machine washable clothing and bedding that the infected person used in the past 2 days at 130 F. Dry the items on the hottest cycle possible for no less than 20 mins. Dry clean all other items or close them in airtight plastic bags for 2 weeks (this includes stuffed animals). Combs and brushes must be sterilized. Finally, vacuum the floor and all furniture.

Many experts believe the most effective way to treat and prevent head lice infestation is regular hair combing. Thorough combing, combined with other treatments can remove nits, or louse eggs and give you an opportunity to find and remove adults. Unfortunately, success with head lice treatments does not mean lifetime immunity. In fact, once infected you are susceptible to re-infection, so make combing a habit to prevent future problems.

by: Martina Mitchell

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