Head Lice

Causes

Head lice are spread by head to head or hair to hair contact. It can also be spread by sharing combs, brushes, hats, and other personal items.

Risk Factors

Head lice are more common in young children. Things that may raise the risk of head lice are:

• Sharing combs, brushes, hats, and other personal items
• Head to head or hair to hair contact with people who may have lice

Symptoms

Some people with head lice do not have any symptoms. People who do may have:

• Itchiness
• A crawling feeling on the scalp
• Breaks in the skin

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The head and scalp will be examined for lice and lice eggs (nits).

Treatment

Treating head lice involves removing eggs and killing lice so that they cannot lay eggs. Treatment may be difficult. In some regions, lice have become resistant to many commonly used medicines.

Options are:

• Over the counter or prescription shampoos, lotions, or creams—more than one treatment is often needed
• Removing the lice and eggs with a specially designed comb or tweezers

Steps will also need to be taken to lower the risk of the lice returning. Linens, towels, and clothing worn by the person will need to be washed. Anything that cannot be washed should be vacuumed.

Prevention

To lower the risk of head lice:

• Do not share combs, brushes, hats, or other personal items with people who may have lice.
• Avoid close personal contact with people who may have lice.