P R E F A C E: Are you a lice carrier? No. Very good. You are a clean person and an asset to society. May your tribe increase. But- if you are one, then please don't get me wrong. I just want to help you get rid of those pesky bloodsuckers which you are now harboring all over your body. Indeed I want to save you from your neighbor's insults, sour faces, backbites because you're rubbish to them because of the hundreds of parasites you're hosting. Read, digest and take heed of this hub. I'm sure you'll not regret.

HUB PROPER

ACCORDING to David L. Reed of the University of Florida. the head and body lice came from the chimp while the pubic lice came from the ape. Both lice transferred and adapted to the not-so hairy human body- one on the pubic hair which are more course and another to the head which then also evolved to the body about 3 millions years ago.

Lice are small wingless, grayish-white insect with flattened, elongated bodies of somewhat oval heads. They are about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long. They are parasitic insects that live on blood. In humans, they infest primarily the scalp, hair and genital area as well as other parts of the body. There are several species of lice that feed on people. One species- the head louse feeds specifically on the head.

HEAD LICE

Head lice are usually less than 1/8 inch long and almost as wide. They are most often spread through direct contact, but can also be picked up by sharing brushes, combs and other head gear.

Nits are louse eggs. They are small about 1/32 inch, white to cream color and oval in shape with a distinct cap. Head lice glue their eggs to the base of the hair shaft, behind the ears and nape of the neck. They produce 4 eggs per day and a total of 88 eggs during her total lifetime. Lice are transmitted by close personal contact with an infected person or by sharing clothes, hats, headbands, scarfs or caps. combs and brushes.

PUBIC LICE

They are shorter and fatter than head lice. They look like tiny crabs, hence they are popularly known as "crabs". They are transferred by sexual contact.

BODY LICE

They are longer and thinner then pubic lice. Infestation is common among people living in crowded, unsanitary conditions.

Head and pubic lice don't carry disease, whereas body lice may transmit typhus, relapsing fever and other disorders.

In all lice infestations, the primary symptom is intense itching- a reaction to the insect's saliva.

TREATMENT

Over-the-counter products like RIDr, A200 and R & C Shampoo, Nix, Ovide, a shampoo that contains the insecticide "malathion" is available by prescription. These products works well against the nymphs and adults, but most will not kill the eggs. Read product label carefully . Consult your doctor about what is best for you. Mechanical removal of louse eggs helps reduce the number of lice that might hatch on the scalp. Special combs are available to take out nits which are easily removed after shampooing the hair- when it is still damp. (COI)