Facts on head lice
The school has just sent you a letter informing you of a head lice outbreak among students? Read this article to get all the facts on these unwelcome insects.
Head lice are parasites!
Head lice are tiny parasites that feed exclusively on human blood. While their lifespan is relatively short (about 30 days), they reproduce at an astoundingly rapid rate. In fact, a female can lay up to 8 eggs per day for 3 to 4 weeks. She attaches her eggs – called nits – to the root of a hair, usually less than a centimeter from the scalp. Nits are whitish-grey, translucent and shiny.
Good to know!
Nits are difficult to remove with your fingers.
How are lice spread?
Lice spread through direct head-to-head contact. To prevent transmission, tell children to avoid close contact with their friends (e.g. hugging) and make sure kids with long hair keep it tied back.
While clothing and other personal effects, such as hats and hairbrushes, are not common pathways of transmission, they still should not be shared when lice are present. (Lice rarely live more than 36 hours on an object, since they need a warm, moist environment to survive).
Good to know!
Lice do not jump or fly. They crawl and cling to the hair of their hosts with their hook-like claws.
Who gets head lice?
Head lice outbreaks are more common in children, since schools, daycare centres and day camps are perfect places for transferring them from person to person. That being said, adults too, can get head lice.
Good to know!
Head lice do not come from being dirty. Anyone can get them! To learn more about this, read our head lice pamphlet available in store or the Lice, Lice, Lice brochure published by the Quebec health and social services department.
Looking out for head lice
There are several symptoms that can indicate the presence of head lice, including:
- A red, itchy scalp, especially near the ears and nape of the neck;
- Nits at the root of the hair.
Symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after the outbreak.
Good to know!
You can have head lice without presenting symptoms. That’s why it’s important to examine your child’s head at least once a week during the school year.
Pharmacy services
If you have questions about head lice and anti-lice treatments, talk to your pharmacist. He or she is there to help!
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.