Know the causes of head lice and how they are transmitted

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-09-01 21:42

The cause of head lice is a parasite that lives and breeds on the scalp. This parasite can be transmitted from one person to another through various ways, both direct and indirect contact

Head lice are small wingless insects that live in the hair of the head and suck blood from the scalp. These lice are generally the size of a sesame seed, while the eggs are very small and look like dandruff.

Even though they don't have wings and only walk by crawling, head lice can move and breed quickly from one head to another. People who often have close contact or share goods with people with head lice are more susceptible to infection.

Head lice usually cause problems in the hair and scalp of children. However, it is not impossible that adults can also experience it.

The Causes of Head Lice and How It's Spread

Head lice can cause itching on the scalp. This complaint will generally be more pronounced at night, because head lice are more active. No wonder this condition often causes sufferers to have difficulty sleeping.

Although it rarely causes serious conditions, head lice often irritate sufferers because of the itching it causes. Therefore, it is important to understand how it is transmitted so that you and your family are always protected from head lice.

Well, there are several ways of transmitting head lice that you need to know, namely:

1. Direct contact with head lice

The most common cause of a person contracting head lice is direct contact between owners of he althy hair and owners of hair with lice.

In children, transmission can occur when they play together or hug so that they are vulnerable to contact with the head of a child who has head lice and allows the spread of the parasite.

2. Concurrent use of items

In addition to direct contact, the use of certain items for the head simultaneously or alternately can also increase the risk of transmitting head lice. Some of the items referred to are combs, hair ties, towels, helmets, hats, pillows, or hair bands.

3. Use of objects in public facilities

Transmission of head lice can also occur in public places, such as swimming pools or gyms. This is again associated with the use of items simultaneously or alternately, such as swimming caps or certain equipment in the gym that has been contaminated with head lice.

4. Contagion from clothes storage

In addition, using the same wardrobe to store clothes along with the clothes of someone with head lice can also make it easier for lice to move.

Head lice are also more prone to attack women than men, because women generally have longer hair which makes it easier for these small animals to spread and reproduce.

How to Prevent the Spread of Head Lice

To prevent the cause of head lice, there are several things you can do, namely:

• Avoid sharing personal items with others, such as combs, hair bands, hair ties, towels or hats.
• Take a shower immediately after swimming in a public pool or working out at the gym.
• Change bed linen regularly, at least every week.
• Wash personal items, such as hats, combs, hair ties, and towels, with hot water.
• Vacuum all sofas, chairs, mattresses and anything else that comes into contact with the head.

Keep in mind that having head lice is not a sign that someone is not keeping clean. Everyone can get head lice, regardless of the condition. If you are already exposed to head lice, there are many options for dealing with the causes of head lice, both naturally and medically.

Through proper care, the cause of head lice can be easily overcome and eliminated. However, if various methods have been used but head lice continue to exist and cause complaints, don't hesitate to consult a doctor to get the right treatment.