Quick 1-5 minute read to ease your fears!

How quickly can we share: The Speed of Transfer

On average 2% of the U.S population shares head lice, and unless the host has a very large infestation there are no obvious signs that you will notice on the fly. You are probably thinking 2% doesn’t sound bad, and it’s not, normally. However, 2% of the U.S. population is 6,620,053.02 that means 1 in every 50 (1:50) is currently battling head lice.

Let’s try to get a better idea of how quickly lice can transfer. You see an old friend that you have not had the pleasure of seeing in years, greeting you, hugging you, catching up on old times, sharing the missing years, taking photos, and exchanging contact information so that you can do this again. But who knew? Who knew that a quick hug in a joyous moment could become such a terror? Unfortunately, your long lost friend was that 1:50 ratio. 3 seconds! I mean, really, who knew? We (your Pink team) did! Fact is, it only takes a louse 3 seconds to transfer from one person to the next. That lingering greeting hug may have taken more, or how about those close up photos that were a must have to store and share with the gang?  A major goal of The Pink Combs is to educate families on head lice. During our treatments we share tips, facts and so much more.

Experiencing  itching?

If you have, I am sure that you thought the mild itching was just due to the change in seasons, or maybe your recent change in shampoo. Often, those familiar with head lice rely solely on this sign to determine if they have been exposed. This is a fallible gauge, as it often takes the average person 3 weeks to begin to feel the itching symptoms of head lice (if they do at all). Here is why.

  1.  Itching is an allergic reaction so this symptom will not be experienced by everyone.
  2. An average size infestation normally transfers one or two bugs. An occasional bite or two every couple hours is not alarming and can often go undetected.

Why does it often take the average person 3 weeks to begin to feel the itching symptoms of head lice?

  1. Once an adult female louse transfers she begins to immediately lay nits(5-10 per day). Nits are head lice eggs. The nit will hatch in 5-8 days; these newly hatched nits will begin to feed causing a noticeable increase in the itching that could go undetected with just a single louse.

Are head lice seasonal?

No! Do not be fooled by the change in seasons head lice are not seasonal.

Often, during the cold season, mothers relax a bit more in regards to checking for head lice. Don’t!

A frequent misconception that head lice cannot survive the winter months might play a role in that.

Many professionals believe that the slow transfer in these months can be attributed to a mother’s desire to keep her kid warm. The use of snug little hats to keep the head (sometimes ears) warm also help to limit the bridge access that these bugs have to crawl across.

This isn’t to say that transfer isn’t still possible. It can happen throughout the course of your child’s day when the outer protective layers are removed so please continue to use your Pink Repel to dissuade the transfer of head lice.

A louse relies on and uses our body heat like climate control, so naturally they are drawn to the warmest regions of our scalps.

How can I identify a nit?

Often mistaken for dandruff or scalp debris they can be very hard to see. Nits are teardrop/oval in shape and may appear white or translucent in color.

If you are already a member of the Pink family just do the home combing you were taught to do. This is the most accurate in house head check  you can give yourself. If you require confirmation about your findings please utilize your support.

If you are not a Pink family member, try using your fingernail or the tip of your finger to move the particle. If the particle is easily moved there is a high chance that you are not looking at a nit. If the particle remained in place try “pinch” the particle and ease it down the hair shaft. If effort is required to move a particle there is a high chance you have just discovered a nit.

Where do I look for signs of head lice?

When performing your at home head checks, try looking behind the ear for nits or bugs. Lift the hair so that you can see the nape of the neck look for rash-like activity (small red sores) as this could be evidence of a louse’s feeding site.

I don’t have head lice. Why am I still itching?

Itching is psychosomatic. You are probably itching just reading this post. Many people hear the word head lice and immediately begin an itching frenzy. The thought, after the words continues to stimulate the mind forcing you to acknowledge tingling crawling sensations that are not quite real.

A black and white picture of a question mark in a speech bubble.

You found us! You can relax now.