Who gets lice most often? - briefly
Head lice infestations occur most frequently among children aged 5‑12, especially those in preschool or elementary school where close head‑to‑head contact is common.
Who gets lice most often? - in detail
Lice infestations occur most frequently among school‑age children, particularly those between five and eleven years old. The high incidence in this group stems from daily close contact during classroom activities, play, and sports, which facilitates head‑to‑head transmission. Studies in the United States and Europe consistently report prevalence rates of 6‑12 % within elementary schools, with isolated communities reaching 20‑30 %.
Risk factors that elevate the likelihood of infestation include:
- Crowded living environments such as multi‑family housing, shelters, or refugee camps.
- Socio‑economic conditions that limit access to regular hair‑care resources and prompt treatment.
- Participation in activities that involve sharing headgear, hair accessories, or equipment (e.g., helmets, hats, combs).
- Family members with a recent infestation, creating a household reservoir of lice.
Gender differences are modest; girls often show slightly higher rates due to longer hair, which provides a larger surface for lice to attach, but the disparity does not dominate overall statistics.
Adults are not exempt. Parents, teachers, and caregivers acquire lice primarily through contact with infested children. Institutional settings such as prisons, nursing homes, and military barracks also experience outbreaks, reflecting the same transmission dynamics observed in schools.
Effective identification and control rely on prompt detection, thorough combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb, and coordinated treatment of all close contacts to prevent reinfestation.