Where is the head louse located? - briefly
«Head lice» inhabit the human scalp, attaching to hair shafts near the skin and depositing their eggs at the base of each strand. They are not found on other body surfaces.
Where is the head louse located? - in detail
The head louse inhabits the human scalp, attaching to hair shafts close to the skin. Adult insects embed their claws in the thickness of hair strands, typically within the region extending from the crown to the nape of the neck. Their preferred sites include the occipital area, the temples, and the region behind the ears, where hair density is greatest and temperature remains stable.
Nymphs and eggs (nits) are found in the same zones. Nits are cemented to the hair shaft about 1 mm from the scalp, making them difficult to detect without magnification. The cement produced by the female louse hardens within a few hours, securing the egg until hatching.
Key anatomical locations:
- Scalp surface – feeding occurs by piercing the epidermis and ingesting blood.
- Hair shaft – claws grasp the cuticle, allowing mobility and stability.
- Nits – attached to the shaft near the scalp, typically on the lower side of each strand.
- Occipital region – highest concentration due to thicker hair and reduced disturbance.
Environmental factors influencing distribution:
- Warm, moist conditions favor prolonged attachment.
- Areas with less frequent combing or shampooing provide safer habitats.
- Dense hair offers protection from mechanical removal.
Understanding these precise locations assists in targeted inspection and effective treatment. «Pediculus humanus capitis» remains confined to the hair and scalp of the host; it does not migrate to other body parts or external surfaces.