Head lice risk factors

Template:Head lice Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Risk Factors

Anyone who comes in close contact (especially head-to-head contact) with someone who already has head lice is at greatest risk.

• Coming in close contact with a person who has lice
• Touching the clothing or bedding of someone who has lice
• Sharing hats, towels, brushes, or combs of someone who has had lice

Having head lice does not mean the person has poor hygiene or low social status. Having head lice causes intense itching, but does not lead to serious medical problems. Unlike body lice, head lice never carry or spread diseases.