Where can you catch lice? - briefly
Lice are usually acquired through direct head‑to‑head contact, sharing items such as combs, hats, scarves, or bedding, and close proximity in environments like schools, camps, or households.
Where can you catch lice? - in detail
Lice infestations arise in environments where close personal contact or shared items occur. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) spread primarily through direct head‑to‑head interaction, but can also be transferred via hats, hairbrushes, scarves, headphones, and pillowcases. Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) thrive in clothing and bedding that remain in prolonged contact with the skin; they are common where garments are infrequently washed or changed, such as in shelters, prisons, or among homeless populations. Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) transmit through sexual contact and, less frequently, through shared towels or clothing.
Typical settings where lice may be acquired include:
- Schools and daycare centers, especially during group activities and play
- Households with multiple occupants, where personal items are exchanged
- Athletic facilities, locker rooms, and gyms where towels and equipment are shared
- Hotels, hostels, and dormitories where linens are reused without proper laundering
- Homeless shelters, correctional facilities, and refugee camps with limited hygiene resources
- Public transportation seats and upholstery that are touched repeatedly by many users
Transmission mechanisms involve:
- Direct skin‑to‑skin contact lasting several minutes
- Sharing of personal accessories (combs, hair clips, hats)
- Contact with contaminated fabrics (bedding, clothing, towels)
- Inadequate laundering of items at temperatures below 130 °F (54 °C)
Preventive measures focus on regular inspection of hair and body hair, avoiding the exchange of personal items, and maintaining high‑temperature washing of fabrics. Immediate treatment of an infestation reduces the risk of spread within the identified environments.