by Susan Morris

Created on: June 09, 2008   Last Updated: June 11, 2008

Lice infestations are an annoyance and a health problem. Lice treatment and prevention can be helpful in a healthy lifestyle.

There are three types of human lice: Head lice, pubic lice, and body lice.

Lice bites usually cause intense itching which may be an infection risk. The size of a sesame seed, head lice, (or hair lice,) are gray or brown. The eggs, called nits, are the size of poppy seeds, and are black, brown or tan. Nits attach to the hair near the scalp. Inspect for head lice by combing the hair in sections.

To avoid the spread of head lice, school children should not share personal items. Hang hats on separate pegs. Check children routinely for head lice.

Normally found in the groin and underarm region, pubic lice sometimes spread to eyebrows and eyelashes. Also called crabs, they typically feed at night and hide in clothing and bedding during the day. Their bites leave bluish dots on the skin, and their droppings make tiny black spots in bedding and underwear. They spread by sexual contact or sleeping with an infected person.

Slightly larger than head lice, body lice cause red bumps on the skin. Body lice and nits live in clothing, moving to the skin to feed. Found in crowded populations without access to bathing and laundering facilities, they spread by close contact and sharing clothing with infected persons. In some cases, body lice can spread typhus and other disease. Prevent body lice by routinely bathing and laundering all bedding and clothing.

Avoid close contact with individuals who have any type of lice, including contact with towels, clothing and bedding.

Head and pubic lice are treated with over-the counter anti-lice shampoo. Some prefer a natural head lice treatment, saturating hair with olive oil for 30 minutes, causing the lice to suffocate. Use a fine-toothed nit comb, and re-treat in 7 to 10 days to kill hatched eggs. Treat body lice by washing the entire body thoroughly. A prescription eye ointment is recommended to treat pubic lice in eyelashes. Take antihistamines for itching. See a medical professional if bites become infected or if lice treatment is ineffective.

After treatment, check all household members every two to three days for two weeks. Wash clothing and bedding in 130 degrees Fahrenheit water, and dry in a very hot dryer for at least 30 minutes. Dry cleaning is also effective. Vacuum carpets and furniture and remove the bags immediately. Place anything that cannot be cleaned, such as stuffed animals, in sealed plastic bags for at least two weeks. If possible, place the bag in a freezer.

Humans have lived with lice for millions of years. With good hygiene, treatment and preventative measures, they can be controlled.

Learn more about this author, Susan Morris.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.