Who is affected by lice

The number of people who develop lice infestations varies by the specific type:

• Head lice outbreaks are common in children in school and day care. Girls are slightly more likely to be infested than boys. Even people who bathe, shampoo their hair, and wash their clothing regularly can get head lice. Having long hair does not increase a person's chance of getting head lice.¹ In North America, blacks are less likely to be infested with head lice than are whites.²
• Pubic lice are common among sexually active teens and young adults.
• Body lice are more common among people who do not bathe regularly or who do not wash their clothes often.¹ People who are homeless or who have been victims of war or natural disasters may live in conditions where it is more difficult to bathe and wash clothing regularly, which increases their risk of getting body lice.

Lice can infest people from any income or social level.

Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: November 24, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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