Many of us have witnessed the irritant itch caused by headlice. These tiny parasites which resemble miniature ants infest human hair. Please note the term headlice refers to the lice that infect the scalp and neck hairs only. There are other varieties of lice that live on human hosts which include pubic lice (infest pubic hair) and body lice (infest human skin).

Though small in size, these creatures can be seen with naked human eye if observed carefully. They are generally bronze to gray-white in color. There is a common misconception that such lice can jump from one person's hair to another. In reality, these lice don't have hind legs to jump or hop. They also don't have wings to fly. Therefore, it can be assumed that these lice can't "jump" from one person to another.

These small parasites exist on human blood. With their large front legs they hold onto human hair follicles, then use their teeth to make a small incision in the scalp, through which they suck blood. This is what causes the itch commonly associated with headlice. Apart from this constant itchiness, headlice are mostly harmless to humans. However, scratching the scalp excessively can lead to bleeding, which in turn increases the risk of microbial infection.

A lot of studies have delved into the methods of humanlice transfusion. It is public knowledge that these parasites spread through direct contact between two humans, of which one is a carrier. Another way through which headlice can spread is sharing of personal articles which are used on one's hair (comb etc) or touch one's hair (pillow etc).

Different types of lice removal treatments are available in the market today. These treatments soothe the irritant itch and eliminate the headlice. Some of these are lice shampoo, lice removal brushes, lice removal hair oils, prescription drugs containing malathion, lindane, permethrin, pyethrins etc.

Both "active" and "inert" ingredients are present in all treatments. Active ingredients target the lice and destroy or kill them whereas inert ingredients like solvents, oils, etc, basically carry the active ingredients and aggravate the toxic power of the active ingredients. For lice removal, it is always suggested to use a natural remedy but different people choose various different treatments depending on several factors. Hair-care is a part of good personal hygiene which includes protecting infection and infestation arising from these parasites.

Headlice are mini ant-like parasites that live off human blood. Lice have no legs to jump or wings to fly, hence contrary to myth they cannot jump of fly from one person to another. Though the lice are harmless; the excessive scratching of the scalp can lead to bleeding, which increases the risk of microbial infection. Various lice removal treatments, like lice shampoo are available today that soothe the itch and eliminate the lice. The choice of treatment varies from individual to individual depending on several factors. It is advisable to use a natural remedy for lice treatment.