How to Prevent Human Lice

A lice infestation is an unpleasant experience that can affect anyone. Lice are small parasites that live on hair follicles and clothing. Lice feed by biting into the skin and sucking up blood, causing itching and discomfort for the host. Three types of lice live on humans: head lice (pediculus humanus capitis), body lice (pediculus humanus corporis) and pubic lice (pthirus pubis). Preventing the spread of lice is possible through performing a few simple tasks.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Washing machine
• Dryer

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Instructions

Preventing Head Lice

• 1

  Avoid direct hair-to-hair contact with others.

• 2

  Don't share or use items from others that touch hair, such as brushes, combs, hats, hooded jackets and scarves.

• 3

  Don't use bedding, clothes or furniture that came into contact with someone infested with head lice.

• 4

  Wash bedding and clothes used by the infested person with hot water. Vacuum furniture where the person was sitting.

Preventing Body Lice

• 5

  Bathe or shower regularly using warm water and soap, changing into clean clothes afterward.

• 6

  Avoid using bedding, clothes or furniture that were used by someone infested with body lice.

• 7

  Launder bedding and clothes that came into contact with someone infested with body lice in hot water. Use a vacuum to clean furniture used by the infested person.

Preventing Pubic Lice

• 8

  Do not engage in sexual activity with someone who has pubic lice.

• 9

  Don't use bedding, clothes or towels that were used by someone infested with pubic lice.

• 10

  Wash clothing and bedding used by the infested person with hot water.