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Modes of Transmission:  
The main mode of transmission is contact with a person who is already infested (i.e., head-to-head contact).  Contact is common during play (sports activities, playgrounds, at camp, and slumber parties).

 Less common transmission is by wearing clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms, or hair accessories worn by an infested person; using infested combs, brushes or towels; or lying on a bed, couch, pillow, carpet, or stuffed animal that has recently been in contact with an infested person.

  

             

  

 

Social Stigma:

It has long been a social stigma.  However it has nothing to do with hygiene.  You could shower and wash your hair several times a day, and you can still acquire lice from another person.

  

Equal Opportunity Pests:

Lice are equal-opportunity pests; they do not respect the socio-economic class distinctions. Lice can easily appear in economicly diverse households.

  

The Life Cycle:

The life cycle of a head louse has three stages; egg (nit), nymph, and adult.

EGG (Nit): They are very small and difficult to see, and are often mistaken for dandruff.  They are laid by the female louse and are 'glue' onto the hair shaft very close to the scalp.  They hatch in aproximately 6-9 days.

NYMPH: A nymph hatches from an egg (nit).  They will molt three times and are mature within approximatley 7 days.

ADULT: Adults are the approximate size of a sesame seed.  They are equipped with six legs, and claws on each leg.  Female lice can lay up to 8 nits per day, and live up to 30 days on the human head.

  

Contrary to popular belief, headlice can not hop, jump or fly.  You can not acquire head lice from a pet, such as a dog or cat.

  

**This web site is intended for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a medical professional. Always consult a physician if you have personal health concerns.