The Different Places You Can Get Head Lice

Lice are tiny insects that survive by burrowing into hair and feeding on blood. These insects are most often found in the hair on the head, hence they are commonly called head lice, but have also been known to reside in the eyebrows and eyelashes as well. Usually, the first sign of an infestation is an uncontrollable, itchy scalp. Lice are easily spread through contact with body parts and materials containing the insects. Because the spread of lice is so easy and creates a quite uncomfortable condition for the individuals infested with the insect, understanding how lice spread is key in prevention. Get to know the most popular locations individuals can get lice from now.

At School

School-aged children are the most at risk for contracting head lice, with an estimated six to twenty-five million being treated annually for symptoms. The insect is typically spread from child to child as they share headwear such as hats, beanies, and headbands at school. The best way for children to avoid contracting head lice at school is for parents and teachers to discourage sharing headwear and clothing. Parents should also clearly label their child's belongings with their names to avoid their items being mistaken for another child's and accidentally exposing themselves to the insect.

Continue reading to reveal another popular location individuals can contract head lice.

At Work

Similar to the classroom environment, work is another environment where the risk of contracting lice is high. This is especially true for workplaces with shared stations, such as desks, chairs, and vehicles. Lice can live on surfaces and away from their human hosts for up to one day. Therefore, if an individual with head lice was operating at a shared station or driving a shared vehicle, anyone who used the same station or drove the same vehicle as the person infested with the insect within a twenty-four-hour period would be at risk for contracting head lice. It is important for employees to make sure they consistently wipe down their workstations and shared vehicles before beginning their shift to prevent the spread of lice in the workplace. It is also a good rule to wipe down the areas after working as well since many do not know they are carrying the insects in the beginning stages.

Learn more places in which individuals can get head lice.