Home Remedies and Herbs for Lice Infestation

A lice infestation is an overgrowth of lice on human heads. Lice are tiny insects that can dwell in the human hair. Lice feed on the blood from human scalp. When an infestation of head lice occurs, it's a condition known as pediculosis capitis.¹

Lice infestations mostly affect young children because lice move from the hair of one person to another through direct contact. Head lice do not infect people with viruses or bacteria. They are just a nuisance and irritation.¹
 
What Causes Lice Infestation?

Contrary to popular belief, a head lice infestation is not caused by poor hygiene, bad grooming habits or an unclean environment. Head lice are caused by exposure to lice from another person. 

Lice are tiny grey or white insects that reproduce on the scalp and can affect anyone. Female lice lay their eggs in the scalp. When the baby lice hatch, then it becomes an infestation.¹

Lice are transferred from one person to another by sharing items such as:

• Hats
• Hairbrushes
• Headphones
• Pillows
• Towels

It’s easy for lice to affect school-aged children. That’s because when items such as coats, scarves or hats are stored near each other in cloakrooms, the lice can transfer between items. You can prevent lice infestations by not sharing items with others.¹

Lice Infestation Symptoms

General lice infestation symptoms include:

• Itchy scalp, neck or ears
• Irritated scalp
• Finding lice and eggs on the scalp or on the hair shaft

Lice eggs may sometimes be confused with dandruff or hair product residue.

References

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20356180