Transmission of head lice requires close contact-often found among children during games, sports, slumber parties and similar activities. Transmission can also occur by means of bed linens and clothing including hats, coats, sweaters and scarves, which may be piled on top of each other during gym class or other play periods. Other means of transmission are through toilet articles including hairbrushes, combs and towels. Children who share lockers are more prone to developing head lice infestation than children who have their own lockers. In day care centers and nursery schools, paint smocks, blankets and soft toys have been found to transmit head lice.
Head lice are completely dependent on human blood, which they suck from bite wounds in the scalp.
The bites produce intense itching, which is frequently the first sign of the presence of lice. Scratching may lead to secondary bacterial infections. Nits should not be confused with dandruff, which can be easily flicked off a hair. Adult lice have claws, which are suitable for grasping and clinging to hair follicles. By picturing Tarzan swinging through the trees in a jungle, you ll have a good idea of the methods by which lice travel through the forest of scalp hairs.