The Difference Between Head Lice and other Lice
There are three types of lice that live on humans. Each type feeds on human blood and each type can cause skin irritation. All are spread primarily through direct bodily contact.
The first type of lice is called head lice. They are tiny, six legged, clawed and wingless insects that are found on the scalp. They live on the human head and draw blood by biting for survival. They live only on the scalp. Lice will die shortly after they are removed from the scalp (usually within a day or two). One can kill lice of this type with a nontoxic shampoo for head lice.
The second type of lice is called body lice, or scabies. They are physically similar to head lice. They have six legs and are wingless. Body lice generally do not live on the body, but instead live in the seams of unwashed clothing and blankets. They transfer to the body to feed (bite and draw blood) and then retreat back to the unwashed articles. Body lice live twice as long as head lice and can lay twice as many eggs as head lice.
The third type of lice is called pubic lice, or crabs. They have a different appearance than the other two types. Their bodies are rounder and their claws are thicker. They live and breed in the pubic hair of the body. They lay fewer eggs than head lice and body lice, but have a similar life span.
The most common symptom for all lice is itching caused by the reaction to the blood sucking bites. Head lice are the most commonly spread type of lice in the U.S. There are many options for treatment for lice products. One should learn How to get rid of lice as soon as possible because they are very contagious.
Related posts: