Can Adults Get Head Lice? The Truth About Lice in Grown-Ups

When we talk about “head lice,” our minds immediately go to the kids who have been infected in class. However, there is one important fact that many people fail to recognize: lice can affect adults as well. 

If you are a parent, teacher, caregiver, or you spend a lot of time with children, you are more likely to contact lice than you would imagine. Being infected with lice does not mean that you are unhygienic; this problem can be resolved.  

How Do Adults Catch Head Lice? 

Lice are transmitted through close contact between the heads of two individuals and do not hop or fly. Moreover, lice do not come from animals; they come from other humans who currently have a lice infestation. 

Adult humans usually contract lice through: 

• Physical embrace of children who have lice 

• Living with people who have a lice infestation 

• Working in educational institutions like schools and daycare, or any other institution, such as a healthcare facility 

• Practicing physical games that involve head-to-head contact 

While contracting lice is possible through sharing hats, combs, or pillows, it is not the most common way to transmit them.  

Which Symptoms Are Present? 

Not everyone is immediately aware of lice. In fact, until itching becomes difficult to ignore, some adults are unaware that they have them. 

Typical indicators include: 

• An Itchy scalp, particularly at the back of the neck or behind the ears 

• The feeling of something moving in your hair 

• Small red bumps caused by scratching irritation 

• Having trouble falling asleep because lice are frequently more active at night 

• Spotted nits which are tiny white or tan eggs that are firmly affixed to hair strands.  

How Do You Get Rid of Head Lice? 

Finding head lice is quite annoying; treating them early can make their removal easier.  

Here are some things that will help you remove lice: 

• Get an over-the-counter lice treatment option and use it according to instructions such as LiceGuard No-Nit Kit or LiceGuard ROBICOMB  

• Brush your hair using a fine-toothed lice comb to remove the lice and eggs such as LiceGuard Egg & Lice Removal Combing Kit 

• Examine all other family members, as lice can easily transfer from one person to another 

• Clean your bedding, towels, hats, and clothes using hot water and detergent 

Tips to Help Prevent Lice 

Although there is no surefire way to avoid getting lice, following these practices may reduce your chances: 

• Avoid direct head-to-head contact if possible 

• Do not share hats, brushes, combs, or any hair items 

• Regularly check your children's hair, especially when going to school 

• When one member of the household has lice, check all other family members as soon as possible and treat everyone is lice are detected 

• Use a prevention lice spray during lice outbreaks at school or camp such as LiceGuard Lice Repellent Hair Spray 

Common Myths about Head Lice for Adults Should Know

Myth: Only children suffer from lice. 

Fact: Adults can have lice as well, particularly those who work with children regularly.  

Myth: Lice exist in filthy hair. 

Fact: Lice are not bothered by cleanliness; all they require is a place to live.