At HappyHeads in Abu Dhabi, we want families to understand head lice and their care. Head lice are small insects that live close to the scalp and feed on blood. Adults have six legs with claws that grip hair strands.
Where Do Head Lice Come From?
Head lice pass between people, mainly through head-to-head contact. They are common among children and their families. Having lice does not mean your hair or home is dirty.
How Do Head Lice Spread?
Lice crawl; they cannot jump or fly. Direct hair contact is the main route of spread. Sharing brushes, hats or recently used bedding is a less common route.
How Many Eggs Can a Female Louse Lay?
A female can lay around six eggs each day. These eggs, called nits, attach firmly to hair near the scalp and are harder to dislodge than loose flakes.
How Quickly Can Head Lice Multiply?
Eggs usually hatch within 6 to 9 days.
Young lice, called nymphs, begin feeding after hatching.
Nymphs become adults about 7 days later.
Adult females can then produce more eggs.
Follow-up checks help detect newly hatched lice.
The Head Lice Life Cycle
Head lice develop through three stages: egg, nymph and adult. Nymphs shed their outer covering three times before adulthood. Adults can live for about 30 days on the head, but usually survive only 1 to 2 days away from a person without feeding.
Can Head Lice Transmit Diseases?
Head lice are not known to spread disease. Scratching can cause sores that may become infected.
Can Household Pets Spread Head Lice?
No. Human head lice do not live on pets, and pets do not spread them between people.
Who Can Get Head Lice?
People of any background can get head lice. Close contact with someone who has lice creates a risk, regardless of personal cleanliness.
What Are the Common Symptoms?
Itching of the scalp.
A crawling or tickling feeling in the hair.
Irritability or disturbed sleep.
Scalp sores caused by scratching.
Some people have no noticeable symptoms.
Why Do Lice Bites Cause Itching?
Itching is a reaction to louse saliva. With a first infestation, itching may take 4 to 6 weeks to appear.
Will Head Lice Go Away on Their Own?
Do not rely on an infestation clearing by itself. Finding live lice confirms an active infestation. Appropriate treatment and follow-up checks are needed; check close contacts too. Contact HappyHeads in Abu Dhabi to discuss a head lice assessment.
