How Lice Are Given to Others

Lice are small insects that can live on several various places on your body. They are known as parasites because they live off your blood. Lice start off as nits (eggs), and in about 5 to 10 days the eggs will hatch and the nymphs will start to feed. Typically after about a week the nymphs will have grown into lice. Having lice is not a major health problem, but it can be a nuisance.

Types of Lice

• There are three types of lice. Head lice are the most visible and can usually be seen around your neck and ears. Body lice generally live in your clothes and are most commonly found on individuals who are not able to shower frequently. Pubic lice live in your pubic area and are also known as crabs.

How Lice Are Spread

• Lice do not have wings. They move from person to person by swinging on hairs when two individuals' heads or other body parts touch. They can also spread through the process of sharing clothes, hats, bedding or hair accessories. Pubic lice are spread through sexual contact.

Symptoms

• Some of the symptoms of lice include itching and red bumps. The obvious signs of lice are lice on the body, clothes, scalp, or hair and also nits in the hair.

Treatments

• Shampoos and lotions for adult lice can be purchased over the counter. It's recommended that the treatments be repeated. The next step is to remove the nits from the hair; a comb with fine teeth or tweezers can be used for this step. It's also important to treat anyone who is affected, such as family members and sexual partners.