Lifecycle of lice and the prevention measures

Male human head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis. Technical settings : - focus stack of 57 images - microscope objective (Nikon achromatic 10x 160/0.25) directly on the body (with adapter ~30 mm)

All living things need a host to live in that case humans are the only hosts for this particular insect called lice. The louse is the common term to identify that insect. In that, the female lice can lay four to eight eggs in a day. When compared to the male lice the female lice are slightly large and they need human blood to survive. 

Two types of louse are found.

  • Chewing lice
  • The sucking lice
  • The chewing louse is commonly found on the animal’s body and the sucking louse is grown on human scalps due to the improper maintenance of the hair.

Life cycle-lice

There are three major stages in the life cycle of the lice and they differ by each stage.

Stage1-egg

The egg is also called a nits. They are white-colored insects and people used to mistake them for dandruff because of the color in this stage they are found in the human scalp and this egg gets hatched after six to nine days to transform into nymphs.

Stage2-nymph

The nymphs are the same as lice but smaller in size and they can also be called immature louse. They have light yellow-colored shells that are visible to human eyes. At this stage, the insect needs nine to twelve days to transform into an adult nymph.

Stage3- adult lice

The transformation of adult lice may appear as a greyish white. In a recent survey about Do Black People get lice, they found that in black and thick-haired people, the color of the adult lice was also black.

It needs human blood to survive and they get the blood supply from the scalp of the head. The matured lie has six legs with claws.

Preventions protocols

The lice are not spread in the air it appears after close contact with another person or other belongings. They can be avoided by the following steps:

  • To avoid it soak the hair accessories in hot water and then use it.
  • The tight braids and dreadlocks are also a cause for lice among black people they often wear dreadlocks so, Do Black People get lice in their hair easily compared to others are proved.
  • Vacuum your bed and pillows regularly.
  • Apply the lotion regularly until it is cured.
  • Pain and redness in the head are also cured by lotions and creams.
  • Apply the oil and then comb your hair to get rid of the lice.