What will happen if lice on the head are not exterminated? - briefly
Failure to eradicate head lice leads to persistent itching, scalp inflammation, and increased risk of secondary bacterial infections. In severe infestations, it may cause hair loss, sleep disruption, and, rarely, anemia from blood loss.
What will happen if lice on the head are not exterminated? - in detail
An untreated head‑lice infestation leads to persistent itching caused by the insects’ saliva. Continuous scratching damages the scalp, creating micro‑abrasions that become entry points for bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Resulting secondary infections may produce redness, swelling, pus, and, in severe cases, cellulitis that requires medical attention.
The presence of live lice also promotes the spread of the parasites to close contacts—family members, classmates, or coworkers. Each adult female lays 6–10 eggs per day; a single infestation can increase the population to several hundred within two weeks, raising the likelihood of transmission through shared hats, hairbrushes, or bedding.
Psychological consequences arise from visible nits and the social stigma attached to the condition. Affected individuals often experience embarrassment, reduced self‑esteem, and avoidance of social situations, which can impair academic performance or workplace productivity.
In children, prolonged exposure may exacerbate existing skin conditions such as eczema, intensify allergic reactions, and disrupt sleep due to nighttime itching, leading to fatigue and decreased concentration.
If the problem persists, the lice may develop resistance to common pediculicides, limiting treatment options and necessitating more aggressive or combination therapies. This resistance further complicates eradication efforts and increases the overall public‑health burden.
Prompt removal of the insects and their eggs, combined with thorough cleaning of personal items and the environment, prevents the cascade of health, social, and economic repercussions described above.