Head Lice

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are small, wingless insects that live on the human scalp. They survive by feeding on tiny amounts of blood from the skin and lay their eggs, called nits, at the base of hair shafts. Head lice are very common, especially among school-aged children, and anyone can get them regardless of cleanliness or hair type.

Although head lice can be frustrating and uncomfortable, they are not a sign of poor hygiene and do not cause serious illness. With prompt treatment and proper cleaning, most infestations can be resolved successfully.

What Causes Head Lice?

Head lice are caused by infestation with the parasite Pediculus humanus capitis.

How Head Lice Spread

Head lice spread through close contact with an infested person. Common ways lice are passed include:

• Direct head-to-head contact, such as during play or sports.
• Sharing personal items like hats, helmets, hairbrushes or headphones.
• Lying on bedding, pillows or furniture recently used by someone with lice.
  
  

Head lice do not jump or fly. They crawl from hair to hair, which is why close contact is the most common way they spread.

Signs and Symptoms of Head Lice

Some people notice symptoms right away, while others may not realize they have lice for several weeks.

Common symptoms include:

• Itching of the scalp, neck or ears
• A tickling or crawling feeling on the scalp
• Red or irritated skin from scratching
• Trouble sleeping due to scalp discomfort
• Visible lice or nits on the hair or scalp
  
  

Nits often look like tiny white or yellow dots attached to hair strands and can be mistaken for dandruff, but they are difficult to remove.

How Are Head Lice Diagnosed?

Head lice are usually diagnosed through a careful examination of the scalp and hair.

Diagnostic Steps May Include:

• Visual inspection of the scalp, especially behind the ears and near the neckline
• Finding live lice moving on the scalp
• Identifying nits firmly attached to hair shafts close to the scalp
  
  

A health care provider or school nurse can help confirm a diagnosis if lice are difficult to see at home.

How Are Head Lice Treated?

Medicated Treatments

Over-the-counter or prescription lice treatments may include:

• Lice-killing shampoos or lotions (pediculicides)
• Prescription treatments for lice that do not respond to standard products
  
  

These treatments are typically applied to the hair and scalp and may need to be repeated after 7–10 days to kill newly hatched lice.

At-Home Care

In addition to medication, proper cleaning is essential:

• Use a fine-toothed nit comb to remove lice and nits.
• Wash clothing, bedding and towels in hot water and dry them in the dryer on a hot heat setting.
• Seal non-washable items in plastic bags for two weeks.
• Soak hair tools in hot water for at least 10 minutes.
  
  

Avoid using home remedies or chemicals not approved for lice treatment, as they may be ineffective or unsafe.

How to Reduce the Risk of Head Lice

While head lice can be hard to prevent completely, certain steps can lower the risk of spread.

Helpful prevention tips include:

• Avoiding head-to-head contact during play or activities.
• Not sharing personal items such as hats, brushes or hair accessories.
• Performing regular head checks for children, especially after known exposure.
• Treating all affected household members at the same time.
  
  

Early detection and prompt treatment help stop lice from spreading to others.

A head lice infestation can be stressful, but it is manageable and temporary. With the right treatment and follow-up care, lice can be eliminated and normal activities can resume.

If lice continue after treatment or you’re unsure about next steps, a health care provider can recommend additional treatment options and help ensure the infestation is fully resolved.

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