Dr. Stephen Beck—LiceDoctors On-Staff Physician, Answers Questions About Lice

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We know that finding head lice can be daunting and you may not know where to turn with questions. Below are some commonly asked lice questions with answers from Dr. Beck.

1. What is the most common way to get head lice?

Answer: Head lice are passed from one head to another. Lice crawl, they do not fly. If your head is near someone who has head lice, you are at significant risk for picking up the case.

2. Will head lice go away by themselves?

Answer: The answer is no. Each louse lays up to 10 eggs a day and will do so for 30 days. The case will only continue to escalate.

3. Why are lice so common?

Answer: Lice are extremely hearty and have been around for millions of years. They are very adaptable and have mutated so that they are resistant to chemical treatments. To get rid of lice you have to physically remove them from the hair and that is challenging for people without experience.

4. Do I need to clean my house to get rid of lice in the home?

Answer: You do not have to do a major cleaning job in your home. Lice live on human heads, not on furniture. To get rid of head lice, you must eliminate the bugs and their eggs on the head.