HEAD LICE

Image 1: Head louse.

Surprisingly, perhaps, head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are still a very common problem, particularly in schools and kindergartens. Contrary to popular belief, they are not a sign of uncleanness or poor hygiene. Anyone can get infected with this tiny parasite, however it is most often found in children from 3 to 12 years of age. Head lice are specialized to live on the human head. If you find lice on any other part of the body covered with hair, they are not head lice but a different type of sucking lice (pubic lice or body lice). Head lice are not dangerous, they don’t spread disease, but they are contagious and usually a very annoying problem.