WHY LICE ARE SO HARD TO KILL

WHY LICE ARE SO HARD TO KILL

Certainly! Did you know that lice have been a problem for humans for millions of years? Even ancient Egyptians struggled with lice infestations, with some resorting to shaving their entire bodies to try and get rid of the parasites. While there are over 500 species of lice, head lice are the most common type that affects humans. Despite our efforts, it seems that humans and lice will continue to coexist for the foreseeable future.

To begin with, lice have six legs, each with a tiny hook that helps them climb from one head to another. Once they latch onto your hair, they quickly crawl down to your scalp where they feed on your blood several times a day. Despite their constant feeding, lice are difficult to spot. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed, while baby lice or nymphs are even smaller. Lice are also well-camouflaged, blending in with the color of the hair around them. Your scalp provides the perfect environment for lice to breed, with a female louse capable of laying up to eight eggs in a single day. These eggs hatch in about a week, and once the lice are 10 days old, they begin laying eggs of their own. While it's uncommon to find more than 20 live lice on a single head, there could be dozens or even hundreds of dead lice on your scalp.

Lice are capable of holding their breath for up to eight hours, which means they can survive even when their host takes a shower or goes for a swim. They are also known for developing resistance to insecticides, as seen during World War II when DDT was used to control lice-borne typhus. Unfortunately, overuse of DDT led to lice developing resistance to the poison, which has made it easier for them to resist similar treatments used in over-the-counter shampoos and lotions. However, scientists have developed new treatments in recent years, such as ivermectin lotion, which paralyzes lice by disrupting their nervous systems. While shaving your head like the ancient Egyptians is a cheap and effective solution, it may not be a desirable option for most people.

While saltwater may kill lice, it depends on the type of salt used. Table salt is not effective, while kosher salt and sea salt may work but are unlikely to dissolve enough to be effective. Epsom salt is the best salt for killing lice as it dehydrates them, but it is not a guarantee. Swimming in the ocean may also kill lice, but there is little research on this topic. Salt is generally safe to use, but it can burn and sting if it gets in the eyes. Over-the-counter treatments that contain insecticides are the most effective way to kill lice and nits. Common treatments include Rid and Nix, which need to be left on for a set period of time and then thoroughly rinsed out while combing out the lice and nits from the hair. While there is anecdotal evidence that Epsom salt can kill lice, there is no scientific proof that this method works.

To summarize, head lice cannot be killed by chlorine, so swimming in a chlorinated pool will not get rid of them. Swimming is also unlikely to spread lice to others in the pool. It is important to consult a doctor for effective lice treatments and avoid unproven home remedies. Prevention of head lice is possible by reminding children to avoid close contact with infected individuals and not to share personal items such as hairbrushes or hats. While chlorine cannot kill head lice, it can interfere with some lice treatments. It is recommended to avoid swimming or washing hair for 24 to 48 hours after applying certain lice treatments to the scalp, as exposure to chlorine may reduce their effectiveness. It is important to read the instructions for the medication being used and consult a doctor if there are any questions.