How Lice are Spread

Lice are most commonly seen in children, particularly between the ages of 3 and 11.

They are more common in girls, perhaps because of their longer hair and the more frequent exchange of combs and other head accessories. Head lice are less commonly seen in those with tight curly hair.

They are thought to spread through close head-to-head contact.

While head lice can crawl up to 23 cm per minute, they can only survive for several hours away from the scalp.

Pubic lice are usually spread through sexual contact. These lice live on the pubic hair, as well as on eyelashes, beards, the scalp, armpit hair and short hair around the ankles.

Body lice are most often found on clothing, particularly around the linings.

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