After how many days do lice appear? - briefly
Lice eggs usually hatch within 7‑10 days, and the emerging nymphs become mobile a few days later, so visible lice are typically observed about 10‑14 days after the initial infestation.
After how many days do lice appear? - in detail
Lice become noticeable within a predictable period after initial contact. Adult females lay eggs (nits) close to the scalp, usually within 24 hours of infestation. Each egg requires about 7–10 days to hatch, depending on temperature and hair thickness. The emerging nymphs resemble miniature adults but lack full development; they require an additional 5–7 days of feeding before reaching maturity. Consequently, a full cycle from egg deposition to the presence of adult lice spans roughly 12–17 days.
During the first week after exposure, the scalp may show no visible signs because eggs are still intact. By day 8–10, nymphs begin to emerge, and itching may start as they feed on blood. By the end of the second week, a population of mature lice is usually established, and symptoms intensify.
Key points:
- Egg incubation: 7–10 days.
- Nymph development: 5–7 days post‑hatching.
- Total time to observable infestation: 12–17 days.
- Early signs may be absent; itching typically appears after nymphs emerge.