Can an adult over the age of 40 get head lice?

Head lice can spread to anyone, but lice are most common in children in preschool and elementary school, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Head lice spread from head-to-head contact, but can also spread from sharing an item that touches the head, such as a hat or pillow.

Girls are more likely than boys to get head lice, possibly because head-to-head contact is more frequent among girls than boys, states the American Academy of Dermatology.

Manual removal of head lice is the best cure, advises The National Pediculosis Association. Prescription pesticides malathion and lindane are associated with inherent risks, especially for use on children. Combining head lice treatments can be especially dangerous for children and is not recommended.