Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. While they don’t carry diseases and are not a danger to health, they can cause a lot of discomfort and stress—especially for children and their families. These tiny bugs are very common, especially among school-aged kids. They spread easily through close contact and can be frustrating to deal with, but the good news is they’re treatable.
Many parents feel embarrassed when their child has lice, but having lice doesn’t mean someone is dirty or unhygienic. In fact, lice prefer clean hair because it’s easier for them to cling to. With the right approach and a little patience, you can get rid of head lice and prevent them from coming back.
What Causes Head Lice And The Different Types
Head lice are caused by a parasite called Pediculus humanus capitis. These insects live close to the scalp, where they lay eggs (called nits) and feed. Lice don’t jump or fly; they crawl. Most lice infestations happen when someone with lice has head-to-head contact with another person. Less often, lice can spread by sharing personal items like combs, hats, or headphones, but this is less common because lice don’t survive long away from a human scalp.
There are three stages in the head lice life cycle:
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Nits: These are lice eggs. They are tiny, white or yellowish, and firmly attached to hair strands close to the scalp.
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Nymphs: These are baby lice that hatch from the eggs after about 7 to 10 days. They grow into adult lice in about 9 to 12 days.
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Adult lice: Fully grown lice are about the size of a sesame seed and are grayish-white or tan in color. They live up to 30 days on the scalp.
There is only one type of head lice that affects humans. Body lice and pubic lice are different parasites and do not live on the scalp. So when we talk about head lice, we are talking specifically about the kind that lives on the head and around the ears and neck.
Signs And Symptoms To Watch For
The most common symptom of head lice is itching. This itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of lice when they bite the scalp. However, not everyone itches, especially when the infestation is still new. That means a child can have lice and not show symptoms right away.
Other symptoms may include:
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A tickling feeling or the sense that something is moving in the hair
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Sores or red bumps on the scalp, neck, or shoulders caused by scratching
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Difficulty sleeping, as lice are more active at night
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Irritability or restlessness, especially in young children
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Visible nits (lice eggs) on the hair, especially around the ears and at the base of the neck
Live lice move fast and are hard to see, but nits are easier to spot. They look like tiny white or yellow dots stuck to the hair shaft and can be mistaken for dandruff. The difference is that dandruff flakes off easily, while nits stay firmly attached to the hair.
How Head Lice Are Diagnosed
If you think your child might have lice, a careful inspection of the scalp and hair is the first step. A good way to check is by using a fine-toothed comb on wet hair. Comb through small sections of hair and wipe the comb on a paper towel to look for live lice or nits.
Doctors and school nurses can usually diagnose lice by simply looking at the scalp. They may use a special light called a Wood’s lamp, which makes the nits glow a pale blue, making them easier to see. No blood tests or lab work are needed.
If you find live lice or lots of nits close to the scalp, treatment is recommended. It’s not always necessary to treat everyone in the household unless they show signs of lice or nits. However, it’s smart to check close family members to catch any spread early.
Treatment Options And What Really Works
There are several effective treatments for head lice, and many are available over the counter at drugstores. The key is to use them correctly and repeat the treatment if needed to make sure all lice and nits are gone.
Here are the most common treatments:
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Medicated shampoos and lotions: These contain ingredients like permethrin or pyrethrin that kill lice. Apply the product as directed, leave it on for the correct amount of time, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using regular conditioner beforehand, as it can make the medicine less effective.
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Prescription treatments: If over-the-counter products don’t work, your doctor may prescribe stronger treatments like malathion or ivermectin. These are especially helpful for resistant lice.
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Wet combing: This method involves using a fine-toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair every few days for at least two weeks. It’s time-consuming but chemical-free and can be very effective with consistent use.
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Home care: Wash bed linens, clothing, and hats that were used in the two days before treatment. Items that can’t be washed can be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. Vacuuming furniture and car seats can help too.
It’s not necessary to deep-clean your entire house or spray furniture and carpets. Lice can’t live more than one or two days away from a scalp, so basic cleaning is enough.
Avoid using more than one lice treatment at the same time. If one doesn’t work, wait at least 7 days before trying another product. Always follow the instructions carefully.
Preventing Lice From Spreading
While lice are annoying, they’re not a sign of poor hygiene. Still, it’s a good idea to take steps to prevent them from spreading.
Teach kids to:
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Avoid head-to-head contact when playing or taking group photos
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Not share combs, hats, helmets, or hair accessories
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Store personal items like coats and scarves separately at school or daycare
Schools may have different policies about lice, but most no longer require children to stay home once treatment has begun. Check with your school nurse if you’re unsure.
Regular checks, especially after sleepovers or school events, can help catch lice early. If a case is found in your household, check everyone in the family and treat only those with lice.
