Head lice

Head lice are tiny insects that live close to the scalp, where they lay and attach their eggs (nits). Lice can't survive unless they are close to the scalp.

• Live lice are tan to grayish white. They're about the size of a sesame seed. It may be easiest to find them on the back of the neck at the hairline or behind the ears.
• Nits look like tiny yellow or white dots attached to the hair, close to the scalp. They're often easier to see than live lice. Nits may look like dandruff. But you can't pick them off with your fingernail or brush them away.

Head lice are most common in children. They can spread anytime a child's head comes into contact with the head or hair of someone who has lice. Lice can't fly or jump.

Head lice aren't dangerous. They don't spread disease or have anything to do with how clean someone is.

Head lice may cause an itchy feeling on the scalp. This is because of your body's reaction to the lice bites. But not everyone has itching, and not all itching means you have lice. Lice can be on the scalp for 4 to 6 weeks before itching starts.

You can check for head lice at home. Use a fine-toothed comb. Part small sections of hair in a place with good light. Using a magnifying glass can help. You can also check with a doctor, who will ask about symptoms and check the scalp and hair for lice and nits.

There are several over-the-counter medicines that kill lice. Most of them are creams or shampoos that you put on the scalp. There are also prescription medicines. Each type of medicine is a little different, so it's important to follow the directions carefully. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer any questions you may have.

• Use an over-the-counter medicine to kill lice. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose a medicine that is safe for your child.
• Follow the directions that come with the medicine carefully. Some medicines should only be used once. Others require a second treatment 7 to 9 days after the first treatment.
• Do not shampoo or condition your child's hair before you use the medicine. It's best to wait 1 to 2 days after you use the medicine before washing your child's hair.
• To rinse out the medicine, use warm (not hot) water. Make sure to wash out the medicine over the sink instead of the shower. This helps to avoid some of the medicine coming into contact with your child's skin.
• Check your child's scalp for live, active lice 12 hours after treatment. If you find any, talk to your doctor. Your child may need a different type of treatment.
• Try wet-combing, which may help remove lice and nits. Use a comb with teeth that are close together. A flea comb that's made for dogs and cats will also work. Wet the hair. Comb all of the hair very carefully. Combing needs to be done over and over.
• Try to keep your child from scratching. It may help to trim your child's fingernails. Scratching can cause sores on their scalp, which can lead to an infection. You can try an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to calm the itching. If the itching is really bad, ask the doctor about an over-the-counter antihistamine. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• You may decide to tell your day care provider or school that your child has lice. They can take steps to prevent the spread to other children.