Head Lice Blog

Life Cycle Of Head Lice

Have you noticed how you have been scratching your head too much lately not because of the economic crisis or any problem at all but because you are feeling an itch that becomes itchier whenever you scratch it? Think about Pediculus humanus capiti. Simply said, you may have what they call head lice infestation.

Shocked? Having head lice is not enough reason to be surprised considering that there are over 12 million Americans suffering from this medical condition every year. Head lice infestation mostly occurs in children but rarely affects adults and African Americans. This is attributed to the lice’s preference for certain shape and width of the hair.

While head lice infestation can be challenging both to your sanity and to your social life (not to mention your reputation), it is not however a medical emergency. But if you do not want to be scarred by the effects of head lice both physically and psychologically then here are some very important things to consider about the life cycle of head lice.

If you are wondering why head lice seem to be alive in your hair forever then knowledge of the life cycle of head lice will not only help you quench that curiosity but will also give you an advantage in your fight against head lice infestation.

Head Lice Life Cycle

Head lice can multiply quickly in a matter of days from being a nit, a nymph and an adult louse. An adult female louse can deposit up to 8 nits or egg which hatches in a minimum of five days. After molting three times, the young nymphs become fully matured adult lice that can sexually reproduce a new batch of nits. Bear in mind that nits become mature no longer than seven days after they are hatched. This means they can swiftly reproduce and multiply in your head. With a lifetime of 30 to 40 days for each adult louse, you can just imagine how many nits can multiply in your hair in so short a time.

The problem is that you only become aware of head lice infestation once they have already multiplied in your hair causing you unbearable itchiness and sleepless nights. It is also difficult to catch nits because they stay close to the scalp and are glued to the hair making it painful for the head owner. Some people even mistake them for dandruff as they are very small—you would need a magnifying glass for that. It is easier to catch adult lice since they stay behind the ears and at the back of the neck.

An analysis of the life cycle of head lice would show that the best remedy really is to rid your head of all lice as soon as possible to avoid them multiplying and infesting your crowning glory. The trick is to be steadfast in your task of killing the head lice through any means suitable for you.

The best approach really is to act on head lice infestation the moment you detect its existence before it becomes contagious and that is when they reach adult stage.