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Lice - Cause
Lice are very easily spread, usually through close personal contact. Lice infestation may be caused by any of the three types of lice:
-
Head lice
may be spread through close
personal contact, shared personal items (combs, brushes, hats, helmets,
clothing, or earphones), or shared bedding. -
Pubic lice
are spread
mainly through sexual contact and are very contagious. Most people become
infected after a single exposure to an infected person. But the lice and eggs
may survive long enough on personal items such as clothing or towels to be
spread to another person. A child diagnosed with pubic lice may have a history
of sexual abuse.
-
Body lice
are most often spread by
contact with personal items, especially clothing and hats. They are
occasionally spread by direct personal contact.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
November 24, 2008
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.
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information.
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