Having an infestation of head lice for a prolonged period can lead to some significant health concerns. Lice feed on human blood multiple times a day, so having them on your scalp for years means constant biting and feeding. This can result in the following issues:
Skin Irritation and Infections
The saliva of lice contains antigens that can cause allergic reactions, leading to redness, itching, and scratching. Excessive scratching can damage the skin and cause openings for bacteria to enter, resulting in infections. Leaving lice unchecked for years will compound this skin irritation and increase the chances of developing a bacterial infection of the scalp.
Anemia
When lice feed on blood multiple times a day for months or years, they can gradually cause iron deficiency anemia. This is characterized by fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and other symptoms resulting from a lack of healthy red blood cells.
Insomnia
The itching and discomfort caused by years of lice infestation can make it challenging to fall and stay asleep. The constant crawling sensation and need to scratch disrupt sleep, leading to exhaustion yet inability to rest.
Social Stigma
Lice are associated with uncleanliness, so having an untreated infestation for years may lead to bullying, isolation, low self-esteem, and depression. Lice can also spread quickly through close physical contact, so people may avoid touching or getting close to someone who is known to have had lice for a long time.
Difficulty Eradicating
The longer lice are allowed to live and breed on the scalp, the more difficult they become to fully eradicate. After years of infestation, the lice population grows denser and new generations can develop resistance to certain treatments. It takes diligent, repeated efforts to remove all traces once the infestation is well-established.
Steps for Treating Long-Term Lice
If you or a family member has suffered from lice for multiple years, taking the following steps can help eliminate the infestation and its associated health effects:
- See a doctor for a prescription-strength pediculicide treatment. Over-the-counter products likely won’t suffice.
- Remove all nits (lice eggs) from the hair strands using a specialized nit comb.
- Apply the pediculicide as directed for at least 2 full weeks.
- Comb out nits again 7-10 days after first treatment.
- Soak combs, brushes, towels and bedding in hot water.
- Repeat medicated shampooing every 5-9 days for at least 3 treatments.
- Continue checking for lice/nits daily for 3 full weeks.
Completely getting rid of lice after years of infestation requires diligence, thoroughness and repeat treatments over a span of weeks. Support and guidance from a doctor is recommended in long-standing cases.
Preventing Reinfestation
Once the lice have been successfully treated, the following steps can help prevent reinfestation:
- Avoid direct head-to-head contact with anyone potentially infested
- Do not share combs, hats, helmets or other headwear
- Check the whole household for lice and treat if needed
- Machine wash and hot dry all linen and clothing items
- Soak hair accessories in hot water for 5-10 minutes
- Vacuum furniture, mattresses, carpets and seats in vehicles
- Stay vigilant with routine lice checks for a few weeks
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor if:
- Over-the-counter treatments are ineffective
- Skin becomes infected, oozing or develops sores
- Anemia symptoms like fatigue, dizziness or headaches develop
- You are at higher risk for complications (due to illness, immune conditions, etc.)
- Lice last longer than 2-3 weeks with home treatment
Medical management can help prescribe stronger and more effective pediculicides, treat any secondary infections, test for anemia, and provide guidance on fully eliminating lice after years of infestation.
Conclusion
Allowing a lice infestation to persist for years can lead to an array of escalating health problems, including severe itching, skin infections, anemia, insomnia and social issues. The lice spread more densely and become harder to kill after long-term infestation. Diligent, repeated use of pediculicide treatments plus nit combing and household cleaning steps are required to successfully eliminate lice after years of harboring them. Seeking medical support can help manage any complications and confirm the infestation is fully cleared.