subject: The All Important Question – What Do Head Lice Look Like? [print this page] If you've been wondering What do head lice look like?' then it's time to get educated!
Many people are embarrassed to ask about the little parasites, and the internet can be an invaluable source of information for all of your parasite questions. There are lots of myths about the wingless insects, but with the right information, you will be able to get this pesky parasite out of your home once and for all.
Typical Head Lice Questions
"What do head lice look like?"
An adult louse can grow to around 3mm, which is roughly the size of a sesame seed. Six legs protrude from the body. At the end of each leg sits a claw, which helps the louse move around. Lice will be a dark brown to a grey color. These insects can move forwards and backwards, moving quickly out of sight whenever the area they are in is disturbed.
"What are nits, and what do they look like?"
This is just as important as asking What do head lice look like'. Nits are the eggs that lice lay. They are much smaller than lice, and are very difficult to remove from hair strands. This is because lice secure nits to hair strands using a substance called chitin. This cements the egg to the hair strand. Live nits will be very dark, however; hatched nits may appear white or opaque like dandruff.
"How do the little critters move from host to host?"
Contrary to popular belief, lice do not fly or jump to and from hosts. Instead they rely on either direct or indirect contact to move from home to home. Direct contact occurs when children rub heads, and lice can move from one host to another. This tends to happen when children play together. Indirect contact occurs when children share head wear, towels, pillows and other bedding.
"How do the insects feed?"
Head lice can only feed from human blood. They cannot survive on the blood of household pets. The mouth of a louse is completely hidden, and they feed by withdrawing blood from skin capillaries. This process is painless, but the scalp can react, and form a small red sore and/or itchy lump.
Keeping Other Parents Informed
If you overhear other parents asking What do head lice look like?' then do not be afraid to spread some useful information.
If you do detect these little parasites in your home, be sure to inform other parents about the problem. This will allow them to take measures in their own home, and check their own children for lice.
These parasites can cause great difficulties with social development, so if your child has an infestation, you must respond to the problem immediately, and begin treating the problem. If your child asks What do head lice look like?' be honest with them, and this will help prevent infestations in your home.
The All Important Question What Do Head Lice Look Like?
