Head lice are a common concern, especially among school-aged children. Understanding how these parasites transmit and survive is important for managing potential infestations and clarifying the actual risks associated with lice on bedding.
Understanding Lice Transmission
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live exclusively on human hair and feed on blood from the scalp. They cannot fly or jump; instead, they move by crawling and clinging to hair strands with their specialized claws. Adult lice can live on a person’s head for up to 30 days, but they require frequent blood meals to survive. If separated from a human host, adult lice typically die within 24 to 48 hours because they cannot feed. Lice eggs, called nits, are firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp and need the warmth of the scalp to hatch; they generally will not hatch if dislodged from the hair.
The most common way head lice spread is through direct head-to-head contact with an infested person. While less common, transmission can also happen indirectly through shared personal items that have recently been in contact with an infested person’s head, such as hats, scarves, hair accessories, combs, brushes, and even pillows. However, the risk of getting lice from inanimate objects like pillows is considered very low. For transmission via a pillow to occur, a live louse would need to detach from the infested person, land on the pillow, and then quickly crawl onto another person’s head before it dies.
Minimizing Risk
Taking simple steps can help reduce the already low risk of lice transmission through shared items, including pillows. It is generally advisable to avoid sharing personal items that come into direct contact with the head, such as hats, scarves, hair accessories, headphones, combs, and brushes.
Routine cleaning of bedding can further contribute to a hygienic environment. While lice do not typically live on pillows or sheets for extended periods, washing pillowcases and other bedding in hot water and drying them on a high heat setting can help eliminate any stray lice or nits that might have detached. Focusing on direct head-to-head contact avoidance remains the most effective strategy for preventing head lice spread.
Addressing a Lice Infestation
If a head lice infestation is suspected or confirmed in a household member, prompt action can help manage the situation effectively. The best way to diagnose an infestation is by finding a live nymph (young louse) or adult louse on the scalp or hair. Nits (eggs) attached firmly near the base of hair shafts, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, are also indicators. A fine-toothed louse comb can assist in the detection process.
Treatment typically involves using over-the-counter pediculicides, which are specialized shampoos or lotions designed to kill lice. Following the product instructions carefully is important, and a second treatment is often recommended after 7-9 days to address newly hatched lice. Wet-combing with a fine-toothed nit comb after treatment can help remove dead lice and nits. Environmental cleaning measures are also recommended for items that have been in recent contact with the person’s head. This includes washing bedding, towels, and recently worn clothing in hot water (at least 130°F or 54.4°C) and then machine drying them on a hot cycle. Items that cannot be washed, such as stuffed animals or non-washable pillows, can be sealed in a plastic bag for about two weeks to ensure any lice or nits die.