In head lice outbreaks, ‘selfies’ may be a surprising culprit
This popular activity amongst teenagers may be the cause for a rise in head lice outbreaks.
Feb 21, 2026 · 4 min read
TL;DR
Teenagers taking selfies often put their heads together, creating head-to-head contact — the main way lice spread. Selfie culture may contribute to lice outbreaks in older children.
Are lice on the rise?
Lice have always been common in school-aged children. In recent years, some experts suggest that selfies — with friends pressing heads together for photos — may increase head-to-head contact among teenagers, who traditionally had lower rates than younger children.
A lice comeback in teens?
Lice spread by crawling. Any activity that brings heads close together (selfies, sleepovers, sports) can spread them. Same fix: check regularly, treat with silicone- or oil-based products or wet combing, avoid head-to-head contact. Checker here if you're unsure.