Can You Get Lice From a Hairdresser's Comb?
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that can be transferred through contact between the hair of two or more people. While they normally die within 24 hours of being removed from the head, these little bugs can cause problems for their hosts.
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What are lice?
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Head lice are small insects that feed on blood. They do not have wings and can be killed with water temperatures above 60 degrees Celsius, which is most often too hot to wash hair.
How do I get them?
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Head lice are spread through contact with the hair of another person. Since hair can remain in a hairdresser's comb or brush, they can be spread in this manner.
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How do hairdressers prevent them?
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Hairdressers and stylists can prevent the spread of lice by washing their combs and brushes in water above 60 degrees Celsius or boiling them. They can also be placed in a phenol solution for 24 hours to kill the lice.
Treatment Options
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To treat lice, use a vinegar hair rinse to loosen the eggs and apply an over-the-counter or prescription lice treatment. In some cases, two treatments may be necessary. Washing bedding and clothing in a hot cycle and boiling combs, brushes and hair accessories will prevent reinfestation.
Prevention/Solution
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To prevent the spread of lice, follow simple precautions such as avoiding sharing combs, brushes or other hair products with others. Also avoid close contact with those who have an infestation.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Klaus Post
