Head lice feed on blood from the scalp. The female louse lays eggs (nits) that stick to hair shafts. Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp.
Q. How did lice get started?
Scientists believe head lice began to evolve on a different path than body lice about the time humans started to wear more clothing. Body lice evolved to attach to clothing fibers which are typically thicker and stronger than a human hair. Head lice stuck with the scalp.
Table of Contents
- Q. How did lice get started?
- Q. Where did head lice come from originally?
- Q. When was head lice first discovered?
- Q. Can head lice cause hair to fall out?
- Q. How many nits can one lice lay?
- Q. How do you prevent getting lice when exposed?
- Q. Should you treat lice if you were exposed?
- Q. What do lice not like?
- Q. What shampoo keeps lice away?
Q. Where did head lice come from originally?
Geographic origins According to the Journal of Parasitology , Clade B head lice originated in North America, but migrated to farther reaches of the world, including Australia and Europe.
Q. When was head lice first discovered?
8,000 BC
Q. Can head lice cause hair to fall out?
Can untreated head lice cause hair loss? Untreated head lice may degrade the scalp and affects it health and that of the hair. If the follicles become blocked, then hair loss may occur.
Q. How many nits can one lice lay?
An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed. Head lice require regular feedings and will typically die within 24-48 hours away from a human host. Head lice have 3 stages of development: Nit, Nymph and Adult Louse. The female louse can lay about 7-10 eggs (nits) per day and lives up to 30 days on the human head.
Q. How do you prevent getting lice when exposed?
Prevention & Control
- Avoid head-to-head (hair-to-hair) contact during play and other activities at home, school, and elsewhere (sports activities, playground, slumber parties, camp).
- Do not share clothing such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, hair ribbons, or barrettes.
- Do not share combs, brushes, or towels.
Q. Should you treat lice if you were exposed?
If you are unsure whether or not your child has been exposed to lice see a doctor as soon as possible and request that he prescribe a lice-killing lotion or shampoo. After using a medicated shampoo it often kills the lice soon after it has been used.
Q. What do lice not like?
To prevent future lice infestation it’s important to remember that lice do not like scents such as mango, rosemary or tea tree oil. Shampoos containing these scents will help deter them.
Q. What shampoo keeps lice away?
NIX is the only lice shampoo on the market that contains permethrin, a substance known to be extremely effective for killing lice and other mites (although for treatment-resistant super lice, you may need a prescription product). It’s safe for kids too, as long as your little one is over two months old.
