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By Mayo Clinic staffHead lice can't fly or jump, and they're not transmitted by pets. They spread by head-to-head contact or via contact with contaminated personal belongings or home furnishings.
Head-to-head contact
This is the most common mode of transmission and may occur as children or family members play or interact closely together.
Sharing personal items
Less commonly, head lice may be transmitted via such items as:
- Caps, hats and scarves
- Brushes and combs
- Hair decorations, such as barrettes
- Headphones
Home furnishings
Head lice may sometimes be contracted by contact with contaminated:
- Towels
- Clothing
- Blankets
- Pillows
- Upholstered furniture
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- FDA approves benzyl alcohol lotion for the treatment of head lice. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW01993.html. Accessed April 15, 2009.
- Head lice: Prevention and control. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/lice/prevent.html. Accessed March 27, 2009.