Discovering head lice can be stressful for any family, especially when itching and discomfort disrupt daily routines. These tiny insects are common among children, particularly in school or childcare settings where close contact is frequent. While lice can spread easily through shared hats, brushes, or head-to-head contact, they are not a sign of poor hygiene and can affect anyone. Understanding how lice behave and how to address them calmly can make the experience far more manageable and help restore comfort to your household more quickly.
Head lice are very small, wingless insects that live on the scalp and feed on tiny amounts of blood. They attach their eggs, known as nits, close to the scalp where warmth helps them develop. Nits can be especially challenging to remove because they cling firmly to hair strands. Although lice do not carry diseases, their bites can cause persistent itching and irritation, which may lead to scratching and discomfort. Lice cannot jump or fly, but they crawl quickly, making direct contact the most common way they spread. Off the scalp, they typically survive for only a short time, which is why focused treatment is more effective than excessive cleaning.
