Head lice are stationary ectoparasites in humans. The head louse Pediculus humanus cavities is a wingless, fully grown insect about 2.1–3.3 mm in size, dorsoventrally flattened. It usually lives permanently on its host in the hair of the head. In the case of massive infestation, other hairy areas of the upper body beard, eyebrows, armpit hair can also be affected and in this case there are many clinics with many lice doctors San Antonio for consultation.
Lice have three pairs of claw-like appendages that allow them to hold on to their hair and move around, and mouthparts that they can use to sting and suckle. They ingest blood for food several times a day. At the same time, they bring salivary gland secretions into the wound, which cause foreign body reactions and often itching. Head lice do not transmit any pathogens in our latitudes. They spread easily further if not prevented.
Occurrence and Lifecycle
The life cycle the head louse runs in several stages from the egg through three larval or nymph stages 0.8–2.1 mm in size to the adult louse imago. Larvae hatch about 6-10 days after egg-laying from viable eggs, which usually stick to the hair up to a maximum of 1 cm from the scalp. These become sexually mature after about 9-11 days. It takes about 17–22 days from the egg to the first oviposition of the females. Fertilized females usually attach their oval, 0.8 mm long, covered eggs whose visible chitin sheaths are also known as nits to their hair near the scalp, insoluble in water. They can produce 90–140 eggs over the course of their 4-week life. Since head lice have adapted very well to the constant conditions on the human head temperature optimum around 28–29 ° C.
