Head Lice (Pediculosis)

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood from the scalp, causing itching. They are very common, especially among school-age children, and spread easily through close head-to-head contact.

• Itching of the scalp, neck, and ears
• A tickling feeling of something moving in the hair
• Visible lice or their eggs (nits), which appear as small white or yellowish specks firmly attached to hair shafts, close to the scalp
• Small red bumps or sores on the scalp from scratching

• Caused by infestation with head lice, tiny insects that live close to the scalp and feed on small amounts of blood.
• Spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact, and less commonly through sharing combs, hats, or bedding.
• Head lice are not related to poor hygiene and can affect anyone, particularly school-age children in close contact with one another.

• Diagnosed by finding live lice or nits on close examination of the hair and scalp, often using a fine-toothed comb over damp, conditioned hair to make lice and nits easier to see.

A topical treatment such as permethrin lotion is applied to the scalp and hair according to product instructions and typically repeated after about a week to catch any newly hatched lice.

Wet combing with a fine-toothed nit comb, repeated every few days over about two weeks, is an effective alternative or complementary approach, particularly for those who prefer to avoid chemical treatments.

All household members should be checked and treated if lice are found, as infestations often spread within families.

Bedding, hats, and recently used combs or brushes can be washed in hot water, though environmental spread away from the head is limited, so this is a lower priority than treating the scalp directly.

• Avoid head-to-head contact where practical, particularly during play or group activities.
• Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or hair accessories.
• Check the scalp and hair periodically, especially if a child has been in contact with someone with head lice.
• Treat promptly if lice are found to reduce spread to others.