Through what are lice transmitted? - briefly
Lice spread primarily via direct head‑to‑head contact, and secondarily through shared personal items such as combs, hats, helmets, or hair accessories that have recently touched an infested scalp.
Through what are lice transmitted? - in detail
Lice spread primarily through direct physical contact between individuals. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) move from one scalp to another when heads touch, a common occurrence among children during play, sports, or classroom activities. The insects cannot jump or fly; they crawl, making sustained contact essential for transfer.
Secondary transmission occurs when personal items that have been in contact with an infested head are shared. Items such as combs, brushes, hair accessories, hats, scarves, headphones, and helmets can harbor live lice or viable eggs (nits). Transfer happens when a clean person uses a contaminated object, allowing lice to relocate to a new host.
Clothing, bedding, and towels provide additional pathways. Lice or nits may remain on these fabrics for several days. Sleeping in an infested bed, using shared blankets, or washing clothes together with contaminated items without proper heat treatment can lead to new infestations. High‑temperature laundering (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) or dry cleaning eliminates the parasites.
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis), also known as crab lice, are transmitted mainly through sexual contact. Direct contact with the pubic hair of an infested partner transfers the insects. Non‑sexual transmission is possible via sharing contaminated towels, clothing, or bedding, though such cases are rare.
Preventive measures include avoiding head-to-head contact, not sharing personal grooming tools, and maintaining hygiene of clothing and bedding. Regular inspection of hair and scalp, especially in environments with close contact, facilitates early detection and reduces spread.