Can You Get Lice From Sleeping In The Same Bed?

The last thing you want to worry about as you’re sleeping is whether or not you’re sharing a bed with a swarm of lice. Instead of having nightmares about itching your head for days, you should be dreaming about more pleasant things. 

Keep reading to learn about where lice like to hang out in the bedroom and what you can do to prevent it. 

What Are Lice, And Where Do They Usually Live? 

Lice are small, parasitic insects that survive and multiply as they consume human blood. You can find them hiding in the scalp, but they can also live in other areas of the body like eyebrows and eyelashes. Three main types of lice affect humans: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice. Lice spreads quickly through close personal contact, like sharing personal items, hats, or brushes, or by sleeping close to someone, like in the same bed. Although lice infestations can be uncomfortable and itchy, they are usually not dangerous.

Can You Get Lice From Sleeping In The Same Bed? 

When two people sleep nearby, like in the same bed, they increase their risk of transferring lice from one head to the other. This can happen when the lice crawl from one head to another or are transferred through shared bed linens or pillows.

However, the tricky part about catching lice from sleeping in the same bed as someone is that you may not always notice their presence. Lice can survive for up to 48 hours away from the human scalp, so it’s easy for them to lie dormant.  

It’s also a myth that lice are only present in dirty situations. Anyone can get lice, although some are more likely to than others. So, no matter who you are sharing a room with, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Lice? 

The symptoms of a lice infestation can include an itchy scalp, difficulty sleeping, and small red bumps or bites on the scalp, neck, or behind the ears. In some cases, lice can cause a more severe reaction, such as an allergic reaction or a secondary bacterial infection. This usually happens when a person frequently itches their scalp, causing bumps to become irritated. These symptoms range from mild to severe. 

If you develop lice in more sensitive areas (eyebrows, eyelashes, or genitalia), you may experience symptoms like redness, itching, and swollen eyelids.

How Can You Prevent Lice From Getting Into Your Bedsheets? 

If you suspect you’ve caught lice from sleeping in bed with someone, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can be used to treat lice, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid re-infestation. However, getting lice removal treatment from a trained professional is always recommended. Carolina’s Lice Removal offers several treatments that can help eradicate lice from your life and home. They’re guaranteed to have no toxins or pesticides, two things that can severely harm your scalp and overall health. 

In addition to treating the lice, it’s important to take steps to prevent them from spreading further. This can include washing all bed linens, including sheets, pillowcases, and comforters, in hot water and drying them on high heat. As you’re washing items, be sure to separate them from anything that wasn’t impacted by lice. This way, they don’t spread to other areas of the home or a guest’s home. 

All personal items, such as brushes, combs, hats, and hair accessories, should be washed or placed in a sealed plastic bag for at least 48 hours. Vacuuming any furniture or upholstery that may have come into contact with the lice can also help prevent them. Once you have lice, it’s also a great idea to implement a regular cleaning routine that includes checking for pests like bed bugs or lice. A lice-repellent spray or powder on bed linens and hair before sleeping can help keep lice at bay. These sprays are usually reasonably priced and can be found at most stores. 

Another thing you can do to prevent lice is to avoid close head-to-head contact, such as lying face-to-face or sharing pillows. While this may be frustrating for couples, it can significantly help to reduce the risk of lice transfer. Keeping a distance of at least six inches between heads can also help prevent the spread of lice. 

All in all, if you have been sleeping near someone with lice, it’s important to check yourself and your bed linens for any signs of them. If you notice any symptoms or suspect that you have lice, it’s vital to take action immediately to prevent lice from spreading to others.

Lice Removal in Charlotte 

Now that you’re educated on what to do if you get lice from sleeping in the same bed as someone, it’s time to scout out places to get lice treatment. If you’re looking for a lice removal clinic in Charlotte, NC, Carolina’s Lice Removal can help. We offer several different treatments to help you free your family of lice. From full-service Airtral sessions to a traditional comb out, treating lice is more feasible than ever. 

We also believe in making lice treatment accessible to everyone. That’s why our services are reasonably priced, starting at only $50 for a “peace of mind mini treatment.” If you just need a screening, we also offer those for a small fee. 
Schedule your appointment today on our website or by calling us at 910-264-7141.