Could Taking Selfies be to Blame for Uptick of Lice Cases in Older Children?

Though taking selfies may seem harmless, a recent study suggests it could actually increase the spread of head lice.

"I've seen a huge increase of lice in teens this year," Marcy McQuillan of Nitless Noggins, a lice removal service said, via SFist. "Typically it's younger children I treat, because they're at a higher risk for head-to-head contact. But now, teens are sticking their heads together every day to take cell phone pics."

Though this is more commonly a problem among younger children, McQuillan's theory is that a significant increase in lice among older children seen in the last three to four years may be due kids getting closer to take pictures, otherwise known as selfies.

"I often say to them, 'Have you seen the way teenagers greet each other lately? Teenage girls can barely say hi to each other without hugging,'" she said, via The Huffington Post.

Nancy Gordon, one of the founders of the National Association of Lice Treatment Professionals and CEO of Lice Knowing You, also adds that though researchers cannot determine whether increased lice seen in older children is a direct cause of taking selfies, it is a definite possibility.

"In order to get it, you have to be in direct contact - sitting on the same towel, sharing headphones together or using someone else's hair curler, sharing hats, sweaters, and scarves," she said, via CNET.

What do you think?