The Facts About Head Lice
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 6 million to 12 million head lice cases occur in the U.S. each year. Head lice are more common among school-age children than adults, and an infestation of head lice has no social or economic boundaries.
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Head Lice Facts
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Head lice infestations are not due to poor hygiene and only occur when close contact is made with the insects or someone infected with them. Untreated, individual lice may live as long as 30 days on a person's head.
Symptoms
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Scalp itching is the most common symptom of head lice. Red or raised bumps may also appear on the head, neck or eyebrows.
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Identifying Head Lice
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Lice are about 2 mm in length, have six legs and are gray or brown. The eggs, or nits, are much smaller and may appear as white or brown spots attached to the base of the hair shaft.
Treatment
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Over-the-counter lice shampoos and combs are effective in killing and removing lice and nits from the head. All bedding and cloth toys should be washed in hot water. Seal items that cannot be washed with hot water in a large plastic bag for two weeks.
Prevention
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Lice are unable to jump; they must be transmitted through direct contact. To avoid infestation, individuals should avoid sharing hats, clothes and hair accessories or brushes with others infected with head lice.
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