Head Lice Infestation history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Head lice infestations can be asymptomatic, particularly with a first infestation or when an infestation is light. Itching ("pruritus") is the most common symptom of head lice infestation and is caused by an allergic reaction to louse bites. It may take 4-6 weeks for itching to appear the first time a person has head lice.

Symptoms

Head lice are not known to transmit any disease and therefore are not considered a health hazard. Other symptoms may include:

• Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair.
• Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites.
• Irritability.
• Sores on the head caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected.
• Bites can be seen, especially in the neck of long-haired individuals when the hair is pushed aside.

• In rare cases, the itch scratch cycle can lead to secondary infection with impetigo and pyoderma.

• Swelling of the local lymph nodes and fever are rare. Head lice are not known to transmit any pathogenic microorganisms.