HEAD LOUSES Meaning and
Definition
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Head lice are small, wingless parasitic insects that infest the hair and scalp of humans. They belong to the species Pediculus humanus capitis. These tiny creatures survive by feeding on a person's blood multiple times a day, leading to intense itching and discomfort for the infested individual. Head lice are a common occurrence, particularly among school-age children, as they can spread easily through close personal contact or the sharing of hats, combs, or other personal items.
Head lice typically measure around 2-3 millimeters in length and have a brownish-gray color, making them difficult to spot in the hair. They lay their eggs, known as nits, close to the scalp, attaching them to individual hair strands. Nits are oval, yellowish-white structures that are often mistaken for dandruff or hair product residue. They hatch into nymphs after about a week and mature into adult lice within two weeks.
The presence of head lice is commonly identified through symptoms such as persistent scratching or a tickling sensation on the scalp. Visual confirmation can be done by closely examining the hair and scalp for adult lice, nymphs, or nits. Treatment for head lice often involves using specialized shampoos or lotions containing insecticidal compounds that kill these parasites. Additionally, thorough combing with a fine-toothed lice comb to remove any remaining lice or nits from the hair is important to prevent reinfestation.
Common Misspellings for HEAD LOUSES
- gead louses
- bead louses
- nead louses
- jead louses
- uead louses
- yead louses
- hwad louses
- hsad louses
- hdad louses
- hrad louses
- h4ad louses
- h3ad louses
- hezd louses
- hesd louses
- hewd louses
- heqd louses
- heas louses
- heax louses
- heac louses
- heaf louses
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