Who else can live in hair besides lice? - briefly
Besides head lice, hair can harbor Demodex mites, fungal spores that cause tinea capitis, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus species. These organisms are usually benign but may provoke irritation or infection under specific conditions.
Who else can live in hair besides lice? - in detail
Hair can host a variety of organisms beyond the commonly known head louse. These include:
- Mites such as Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, which reside in hair follicles and sebaceous glands, feeding on skin cells and oils.
- Fungal spores from genera like Malassezia and Candida, which proliferate on the scalp surface and can cause dandruff or dermatitis when overgrown.
- Bacterial colonies comprising Staphylococcus and Propionibacterium species, forming biofilms that contribute to scalp inflammation or odor.
- Nematodes occasionally observed in hair shafts, typically in tropical environments, feeding on keratin or microbial flora.
- Arthropod eggs laid by lice, mites, or blowflies, which appear as tiny, often unnoticed ovals attached to strands.
- Parasites such as Pediculus capitis nymphs, which are immature stages of the head louse but distinct from adult insects.
- Environmental debris including pollen, dust mites, and microscopic plant material that can become trapped in hair fibers.
These organisms exploit the hair’s warm, moist microenvironment, the sebum produced by the scalp, and the shelter provided by hair density. Their presence may be asymptomatic or manifest as itching, scaling, redness, or odor, depending on the species and host response. Regular hygiene practices, targeted treatments, and scalp health monitoring reduce the risk of infestation or overgrowth.