• Question: why do we itch when we have head lice?

    Asked by evilbugs to Alex, Kate, Marcus on 26 Jun 2014.
    • Photo: Marcus Johns

      Marcus Johns answered on 26 Jun 2014:

      Itching is caused by an irritation to the skin. Head lice bite our scalp, causing an irritation. This causes it to itch!

    • Photo: Alex Lyness

      Alex Lyness answered on 26 Jun 2014:

      Hey evilbugs,

      Itching is the bodies reaction to irritation and is usually a sign to trigger the body to react… often with a quick scratch!

      When the head lice bite our scalp it is their saliva that causes the skin to be irritated. However, the itching may not always start right away — that depends on how sensitive you are to the lice!

      A bonus fact for you: head lice have no wings so cannot fly, they can only transfer from head to head when people get too close. So, if you see someone scratching… stay away!

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