Head Lice Symptoms

Head lice symptoms are pretty straightforward. Itching, of course, is the number one symptom of a lice infestation.

You may be surprised to learn that some people don't experience any symptoms at all. I find it a bit hard to believe myself, but I'm told it's true.

I don't know how they manage it. My head is itching just writing about this subject!

A head louse feeds of human blood. It can only survive on the head of human beings. There are such things as body lice and pubic lice, but they are a different creature altogether.

The general symptoms of head lice are red bite marks, itching, and scratching of the head. Quite often the majority of the itching is around the nape of the neck and around the ears.

Lice seem to congregate around those warmer portions of the head. They feed off the blood they take when biting you. They also breed and reproduce in an amazing fashion.

A live louse can live for 30 days. During the first 8-10 days the louse grows through the nymph stages. After that a louse can produce 6 eggs per day (nits). I've actually read that they can produce up to 100 per night, which is rather terrifying to think about!

That's the reason it is so important to start a head lice treatment as soon as possible when you suspect you may be infected. The longer you put it off, the more lice you will have to deal with.

There are insecticidal shampoos you could use like Nix or Rid (or several others), but I don't recommend those chemical treatments for two reasons.

They contain pesticides that are harmful to you or your child.
The lice have become resistant to these pesticides over the years due to the constant exposure to them. You will probably not get rid of all the head lice using one of those treatments.

As an alternative to the pesticides, take a look at the home remedies for head lice. There are safer and more effective options available to help you rid yourself or your children of head lice.

To your good health!

Comment Or Question
About Head Lice Treatment?

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You might have an experience of your own to share that will encourage and help others get rid of the little creepy crawlies.

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