The Risks of Prolonged Head Lice Infestation

We encountered an exhausted mom who had been battling head lice in her family for some time and was so tired she asked what happens if lice are left untreated. She wanted to know if head lice go away independently, hoping they would eventually die off. If not, she was ready to give up and live happily ever after with long-term lice. Several conditions can develop as a result of untreated lice.

Whilst many of your searches may tell you that head lice are a harmless inconvenience that are easily solved with a little head lice product treatment, this casual approach ignores the true impact and consequences of not dealing with them. Leaving a head lice infestation untreated or not sufficiently treated means that the infestation is unchecked and will continue to multiply

What are head lice?

Head lice are tiny bugs about the size of a sesame seed (2–3 mm long [mm stands for millimeter]). Their bodies are usually pale and gray, but their color may vary. One of these tiny bugs is called a louse.

Head lice feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp. They can’t survive more than 1 day without a blood meal.

What are nits?

Lice lay and attach their eggs to hair close to the scalp. The eggs and their shell casings are called nits. Lice eggs are oval and about the size of a knot in thread (0.8 mm long and 0.3 mm wide) and usually yellow to white.

Some nits may blend in with some people’s hair color, making them hard to see, and are often confused for dandruff or hair spray droplets. Nits attach to the hair with a sticky substance that holds them firmly in place. After the eggs hatch, the empty nits stay on the hair shaft.

The Life Cycle of Nits and Head Lice.

Stage	Description
Nit (Eggs)	Small, oval-shaped eggs are attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits are typically yellow or white.
	Location: Nits are firmly attached to the hair, usually within 1/4 inch (6 mm) of the scalp.
	Time to Hatch: Nits hatch within 7 to 10 days, releasing nymphs.
Nymph	The immature form of head lice emerges from hatched nits. Nymphs resemble adult lice but are smaller.
	Size: Nymphs are about the size of a pinhead.
	Feeding: Nymphs feed on blood from the scalp, requiring multiple feedings per day to survive.
	Time to Maturity: Nymphs molt three times over the course of 9 to 12 days before becoming adults.
Adult Louse	Fully mature head lice are capable of reproducing.
	Size: Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed.
	Feeding: Like nymphs, adult lice feed on blood from the scalp, requiring regular feedings.
	Reproduction: Female lice can lay up to 6 eggs per day, continuing for about 30 days.
	Life Span: Adult lice can live on the scalp for up to 30 days.

Can untreated head lice affect your health?

Untreated head lice infestations can indeed impact health, though the effects are primarily related to discomfort and potential complications rather than serious medical conditions. While head lice themselves do not transmit diseases, persistent scratching of the scalp can lead to skin irritation, inflammation, and even secondary bacterial infections. The constant itching caused by head lice can result in small wounds on the scalp, increasing the risk of infection. In severe cases, excessive scratching may lead to the formation of crusty sores or scabs, further exacerbating discomfort and potential complications. Additionally, untreated head lice infestations can disrupt sleep patterns, causing fatigue and irritability due to persistent itching, especially at night. Sleep disturbance can affect daily functioning and overall well-being, highlighting the importance of prompt treatment to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.

What Happens If You Have Head Lice for a Long Time?

Persistent Itching and Discomfort:

• Having head lice for a long time can result in persistent itching and discomfort on the scalp. The presence of lice and their movements can cause irritation, leading to constant scratching.

Skin Irritation and Inflammation:

• Continuous scratching of the scalp can lead to skin irritation and inflammation. The repeated friction and pressure from scratching can damage the skin, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness.

Risk of Secondary Infections:

• Prolonged head lice infestations increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections. Scratching the scalp can create small wounds, providing an entry point for bacteria and increasing the likelihood of infections such as impetigo or cellulitis.

Formation of Sores and Scabs:

• In severe cases, persistent scratching may result in the formation of crusty sores or scabs on the scalp. These lesions can be painful and may take longer to heal, further exacerbating discomfort.

Social and Emotional Impact:

• Long-term head lice infestations can have a significant impact on an individual’s social and emotional well-being. The stigma associated with head lice may lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and social isolation, particularly among children.

Disruption of Sleep Patterns:

• The constant itching and discomfort caused by head lice can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to fatigue and irritability during the day. Sleep disturbance can affect overall well-being and quality of life.

Complications for Individuals with Certain Conditions:

• Individuals with preexisting skin conditions such as eczema or allergies may experience exacerbated symptoms due to head lice infestations. The presence of lice and their saliva can trigger allergic reactions, worsening skin inflammation and discomfort.

Transmission to Others:

• If left untreated, head lice infestations can continue to spread to others, particularly within close contacts such as family members or classmates. Failure to address the infestation promptly can result in ongoing transmission and recurrent outbreaks.

Difficulty Concentrating and Focusing:

• The persistent itching and discomfort associated with long-term head lice infestations can make it challenging to concentrate and focus on daily activities, particularly for children in school or adults at work.

Financial Costs and Burden:

• Long-term head lice infestations can result in financial costs and burdenssss associated with repeated treatments, lost productivity due to discomfort or social stigma, and expenses related to purchasing lice removal products or seeking professional assistance.

Here are some safety guidelines for lice treatments:

Cleaning the Home

It is important to wash the clothing, stuffed toys, and bedding of the infested person at the time he or she is initially treated. Only items that have been in contact with the head of the infested person in the 48 hours before treatment need to be cleaned. Head lice cannot live off the human body for more than 48 hours. Vacuum car seats, couches, chairs, and other places where the head lays regularly.

Environmental Concerns

Products containing permethrin and lindane also pollute our waterways. Permethrin is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic animals, and to bees and other beneficial insects. Lindane is particularly persistent and requires special treatment to be removed from the environment.

Contacting Friends and Schools

If your child has a head louse infestation, it is important to inform anyone your child has had close contact with in the recent past. If the sources, or other recently infested people, are not treated, your child can become re-infested when contact is renewed, which means you will need to go through all of the above treatment procedures again. Synchronized treatment where all infested individuals are treated at the same time, interrupts transmission and prevents re-infestation, particularly in school or childcare-based control programs.

Follow Product Instructions:

Always carefully read and follow the instructions provided with lice treatment products, including shampoos, creams, or lotions. Adhering to the recommended application methods and durations is essential for effectiveness and safety.

Perform  patch test:

Before applying any lice treatment product to the entire scalp or body, perform a patch test on a small area of skin to check for allergic reactions or adverse effects. Monitor the test area for any signs of irritation, redness, or discomfort.

Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.

Take precautions to prevent lice treatment products from coming into contact with the eyes or mouth. Shield the eyes and face during application, and rinse thoroughly with water if accidental exposure occurs.

Ventilation and air circulation:

Ensure adequate ventilation and air circulation in the treatment area to minimize exposure to fumes or odors from lice treatment products. Open windows or use fans to promote air exchange during and after the application.

Use Gloves:

Wear disposable gloves or apply lice treatment products with bare hands to prevent skin contact and minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. Wash hands thoroughly after applying treatment.

Avoid Overuse:

Avoid overusing lice treatment products or applying multiple treatments in quick succession, as this can increase the risk of skin irritation and may not improve effectiveness. Follow the recommended treatment schedule and dosage.

Use Nit Comb Properly:

When using a nit comb to remove lice and nits from the hair, use gentle, even strokes to avoid scalp irritation or hair breakage. Clean the comb thoroughly between uses to prevent re-infestation.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items:

Encourage individuals with lice infestations to avoid sharing personal items such as hats, hairbrushes, combs, towels, and headphones to prevent the spread of lice to others.

Seek Medical Advice:

If there are concerns about the safety or effectiveness of lice treatment products, or if the infestation persists despite treatment efforts, seek medical advice from a healthcare professional or pharmacist for further guidance and assistance.