Head lice
Head lice are very annoying insects, but not harmful to health. They occur all year round. The animals grab onto the hair with their six legs.
Head lice are mainly found in the hair of the neck area and above the ears. As an immune response to their feces and saliva, intense itching can occur, sometimes resulting in scratch wounds. It is possible for lice to be present without itching.
What is the cause?
- Head lice are spread via direct head contact : they cannot jump or fly, only crawl.
- You rarely get lice from hats, scarves, pillows : lice die after 48 hours when they leave the person.
- Lice are not transmitted through pets.
What can you do yourself?
How to prevent?
Unfortunately, you cannot prevent lice.
- Never use lice killing agents as a preventative measure. This doesn't help. The products are also poisonous and the lice can get used to them.
- It is not necessary to wash objects preventively or store them in plastic bags.
- Do not share hats, caps or scarves.
How to detect?
- You usually don't notice lice by holding the hair to one side, because they move quickly.
- Use the wet-comb method to check for lice in the hair. The wet hair hinders their movements.
- Warn people around you so that they are alert and can take measures.
How to treat?
When should you see a doctor?
You don't need to go to the doctor for head lice. Visit us if you need advice on how to get rid of lice or if scratch wounds cause complications such as skin infections.
The best treatment is the wet-comb method
Elise Rummens
Elise Rummens | prevention doctor CM
Elise is our family doctor. Her hobbyhorse when it comes to health is exercise. That's why you see her jumping, flying, diving, falling and getting up again on Tuesday evenings. Then she has her weekly parkour training.
The best treatment is the wet-comb method
