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Head lice Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.

Answers to questions about head lice

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Do head lice bite?

Yes, they feed by biting your skin and sucking blood from your scalp.

Explanation

Head lice feed on blood about five times a day, but the biting doesn't hurt and you shouldn't be able to feel it. Sometimes the biting can leave tiny red spots on your scalp. Some people have an allergic reaction to the bites and this can make the itching worse.

Further information

Sources

  • Head lice. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 1 August 2008
  • Guidance for the management and control of head lice infection. Health Protection Agency North West. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 1 August 2008
  • Headlice: Factsheet for Schools - Wired for Health. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 1 August 2008
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Can head lice spread to my body?

No, it's very rare for head lice to move onto your body or other areas of hair such as your eyelashes or eyebrows.

Explanation

Adult head lice can't survive for very long if they are removed from your head, so wouldn't be able to live on another part of your body. There is a different type of louse, called the body louse, which looks the same as a head louse but lives around your body instead. Body lice usually live in the seams of your clothes and move onto your skin when they want to feed. They lay their eggs in your clothes. You will usually only get body lice if you have dirty clothes or if you don't change them very often. Body lice are easy to get rid of if you clean your clothes properly. If you're concerned, you should see your GP for advice.

Further information

Sources

  • Headlice: Factsheet for Schools - Wired for Health. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 1 August 2008
  • Guidance for the management and control of head lice infection. Health Protection Agency North West, 2006. www.hpa.org.uk
  • Youngson DR. The Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 2001: 450
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Are electronic combs good at treating head lice?

It's recommended that you don't use electronic combs as they can be expensive and can't completely get rid of head lice.

Explanation

Electronic combs can kill live head lice by electrocuting them. But they can't kill the eggs, so can't be used to completely get rid of head lice. If you do wish to use an electronic comb, you should use it when your hair is clean and dry and follow the instructions that come with it carefully.

Further information

Sources

  • The prevention, identification and management of head lice infection in the community. Health Protection Agency North West, 2007. www.hpa.org.uk
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Can my child get head lice more than once?

Yes, your child can become infected with head lice more than once.

Explanation

It's possible for your child to get head lice many times. The first time your child gets head lice it can take up to eight weeks before he or she starts itching. If your child gets head lice again, he or she will probably start itching more quickly.

Further information

Sources

  • Guidance for the management and control of head lice infection. Health Protection Agency North West, 2006. www.hpa.org.uk
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: December 2008

 

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