Conditions & Diseases: Skin Diseases

Lice  

Definition: Lice are small, parasitic insects that can live on the head, body or pubic area and feed off small amounts of blood that is sucked. A lice infestation can cause itching, irritation and infection.

Lice have a three stage life cycle from eggs (called nits) to young lice (called nymphs) to adult lice. A single lice or insect is called a louse. Lice are extremely contagious and easily spread through the sharing of personal items (combs, head gear, clothes, etc.) and close contact with other people who are infested.

Head lice are especially common in young, school age children. Lice are not like fleas which can "jump" from one host to a next. Lice are picked up through direct contact, (skin to skin or skin to bedding or clothing). There are 3 main types of lice infestation:

• Head Lice

• Body Lice

• Pubic Lice (Crabs)