A member asked:
Can you get head lice from animals?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
No: Head lice are an only human issue. Animals and or other bugs do not carry them.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Josephine Ruiz-healyanswered
Pediatrics 41 years experience
No: No. From other humans, yes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
No: Animals are not part of the transmission cycle for head lice.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
253 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 35-year-old member asked:
Could children get head lice from farm animals?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 48 years experience
No: Head lice are a human only problem. There are no animal or insect species as carriers.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
CA
A 32-year-old male asked:
What are some of the risk factors for getting Head lice?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Geoffrey Rutledgeanswered
Internal Medicine 39 years experience
The risk factors for getting Head lice include:: Exposure to sick contact, Poverty, Poor hygiene.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
How does head lice get transferred from person to person?
3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Kenneth Chenganswered
Family Medicine 33 years experience
Sharing: Head lice can be transmitted from one individual to another by direct scalp-to-scalp contact, sharing hair brushes or other hair accessories, and by coming in contact with bedding or cushions that were in contact by an infected individual. Follow the directions of your doctor closely to best eradicate the lice.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
How could i get head lice and nits off of my head?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Goodbye lice: Tx of lice requires accurate identification of nits & / or lice. A pediculicide is usually used- otc like nix (permethrin) or rid or prescription meds like lindane or malathion. Work carefully through hair & remove individual nits. Purchase a special lice nit comb to aid you. Check for nits & remove as seen over the next 7 to 10 days. If there are nits after 7 to 10 days – a 2nd pediculicide tx may be needed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 27 years experience
Provided original answer
Wash clothing or linens in HOT Water. Soak personal items like combs or brushes in HOT water for at least 10 minutes (or throw them out if this is an option). Vacuum floors, carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture & your vehicles.
May 22, 2013
A 39-year-old member asked:
How do I get head lice and nits off of my friends head?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Ronda Dennis-Smithartanswered
Specializes in Pediatrics
Pediculocide, comb: A pediculocide, like nix (permethrin) or rid is applied. Follow directions exactly! this will kill the lice-but it's not immediate. Next, use a nit comb (i like the lice meister) and comb through each section of hair. Rinse the comb off after each stroke, to remove any lice/nits in the teeth. Use the nit comb daily x 7 days. Some pediulocide should be reapplied in 7 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 3, 2018
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