Why Do Kids Get Lice More Than Adults?

It’s probably safe to say that most of us sailed through our early adult years never giving head lice much thought. It wasn’t until children entered the picture that we were abruptly reminded of these persistent parasites. It seems like head lice and school children go hand-in-hand. But do kids really get head lice more than adults? Savannah head lice treatment center Fresh Heads has the answer!

What are Head Lice and How Do They Spread?

Head lice are human parasites that live on the scalp and feed off human blood. They don’t pose any major health threat, though they can cause extreme itching and irritation. They can cause redness, bumps and sores from scratching.

Head lice do not jump or fly. They move by crawling from one host to another. They also can be spread by sharing personal items that they’ve crawled onto, such as hair brushes and hats. However, since lice can only live 1 to 2 days without human blood, they can’t survive on these items for long.

Why Do Kids Get Head Lice More than Adults?

The answer is pretty straightforward. It’s not that the pesky critters prefer children’s blood to adult’s. It’s the simple fact that kids are in closer contact with one another on a daily basis.

Young kids don’t have much regard for personal space. Because of this they frequently commit the number one lice spreading no-no: head to head contact. They could be cozying up during story time, hugging their best pal or huddling together at a sleepover. There’s a lot of that head to head contact going on regularly, which head lice thrive on. It’s also worth noting that girls are more likely to get head lice because the pests can more easily climb onto their long hair.

Another fact is that children share and swap personal items without giving it without a second thought. They may try on each other’s hats, borrow hair accessories, exchange ear buds or share a pillow at a slumber party. Girls adore brushing, styling and braiding each other’s hair—all while using the same brush. Sharing these items could potentially spread lice if they’ve been exposed in the past 24 to 48 hours.

Treating Lice Safely & Effectively

If your child comes home with lice, the sooner you treat it, the easier your life will be. Just steer clear of harsh OTC chemical treatments that you might find at your local drug store. Their ingredients are toxic and have been shown to cause health issues such as behavioral problems in kids. Plus, they don’t work.

For safe lice treatment you can trust, visit our Savannah lice treatment center. Our signature AirAllé treatment is chemical-free and FDA-cleared, using hot air to stop lice in their tracks. We also carry an extensive line of all-natural, great-smelling hair care products, including preventative products. With 4 convenient locations located in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Orlando, and Savannah, there is a Fresh Heads near you! Call us today at (912) 988-4099.

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