What will happen if lice are in the head? - briefly
Head lice feed on blood, causing intense itching and scalp irritation. Excessive scratching can produce skin lesions and secondary bacterial infection.
What will happen if lice are in the head? - in detail
A scalp infestation by head lice triggers a series of physiological and behavioral responses. The insects attach to hair shafts, insert their mouthparts into the skin, and feed on blood several times a day. This feeding creates microscopic puncture wounds that release saliva containing anticoagulants, provoking localized irritation.
The immediate effect is intense itching. Repeated scratching can lead to excoriations, secondary bacterial infection, and, in severe cases, cellulitis. Visible signs include live lice, translucent nymphs (nymphs), and brownish or grayish eggs (nits) cemented to hair close to the scalp.
The life cycle progresses rapidly: an adult female lays 6‑10 eggs per day, hatching within 7‑10 days. Nymphs mature in another 9‑12 days, establishing a self‑sustaining population if untreated. Consequently, the infestation can expand within weeks, affecting the entire head and potentially spreading to close contacts through direct head‑to‑head contact or shared items such as combs, hats, or pillows.
Systemic consequences are rare but may include:
- Allergic reactions to saliva, causing swelling or rash beyond the scalp.
- Psychological distress due to embarrassment or social stigma.
- Disruption of daily activities, such as school attendance, because of treatment protocols.
Effective management requires:
- Mechanical removal: fine‑toothed combing of wet hair to extract live insects and eggs.
- Chemical treatment: topical pediculicides (e.g., permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based products) applied according to label instructions, repeated after 7‑10 days to kill newly hatched nymphs.
- Environmental control: washing bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate dormant eggs.
- Follow‑up inspection: repeat examination 1‑2 weeks post‑treatment to confirm eradication.
Neglecting these steps allows the infestation to persist, increasing the risk of skin damage, infection, and transmission to others. Prompt, thorough intervention halts the cycle and restores scalp health.