Lice infestations are very common today. However, there are no reliable data on how many people get lice in the United States each year. While anyone can get lice, it is more common in certain groups of people, depending on the type of lice. For example, children are more likely to get
head lice, while homeless people are more likely to get
body lice.
Pubic lice are more common in adolescents who are sexually active or in people with multiple sex partners.
One common myth is that personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school affects the chances that a person will get lice. This is not true for head lice or pubic lice. It is, however, true for body lice.
You can learn more about the specific
causes of lice for each type by clicking on any of the following links:
Lice are very contagious. Direct contact with an already infested person is the most common way that head lice and pubic lice are spread. Body lice are most often spread through contact with infected clothing or bedding. Pubic lice and body lice can also be spread this way, but it is less common than direct contact.
Lice are quite active and can travel quickly, which explains why they are transmitted so easily. However, lice are not long-distance travelers, and they do not do well away from the host. Although adept at moving from hair to hair, they cannot jump or crawl very far (from the floor to someone's head, for example).
(Click any of the links below for more information on how each type of lice is spread:
(Click Lice Prevention to learn how to prevent any of these types of infestations.)
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