Lice Lessons
Nits are tiny, teardrop-shaped lice eggs that are often yellowish
or white. Nits are also what you call the shells that are left behind
once the eggs hatch. Nits are attached to the hair shaft and often
found around the nape of the neck or the ears. Nits can look
similar to dandru, but cannot be easily removed or brushed o.
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Nymphs, or baby lice,
are small and grow
to adult size in 1 to 2
weeks.
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Adult lice are the size
of a sesame seed and
appear tan to grayish-
white.
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Head Lice 101
What You Should Know About Head Lice
Overview
Head lice are a common community problem.
An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations occur each
year in the United States, most commonly among
children ages 3 to 11 years old.
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Though a head lice
infestation is often spotted in school, it is usually
acquired through direct head-to-head contact
elsewhere, such as at sleepovers or camp.
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Head lice are not dangerous, and they do not transmit
disease.
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Additionally, despite what you might have
heard, head lice often infest people with good hygiene
and grooming habits.
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Your family, friends, or
community may experience head lice. It’s important
to know some basics, including how to recognize
symptoms and what to do if faced with an infestation.
What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny, wingless
insects that live close to
the human scalp. They
feed on human blood.
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When checking for head
lice, you may see several
forms: the nit, the nymph,
and the adult louse.
How are head lice spread?
• Head lice move by crawling and cannot jump
or fly
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• Head lice are mostly spread by direct head-to-
head contact—for example, during play at home
or school, sleepovers, sports activities,
or camp
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• It is possible, but not common, to spread head
lice by contact with items that have been in
contact with a person with head lice, such as
clothing (for example, hats, scarves, or coats) or
other personal items (such as combs, brushes,
or towels)
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• Head lice transmission can occur at home, in the
community, or —very infrequently—in school
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What are the signs and symptoms
of infestation?
Signs and symptoms of infestation include
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:
• Tickling feeling on the scalp or in the hair
• Itching (caused by the bites of the louse)
• Irritability and diculty sleeping (lice are
more active in the dark)
• Sores on the head (caused by scratching, which
can sometimes become infected)
Finding a live nymph or adult louse on the scalp or
in the hair is an indication of an active infestation.
They are most commonly found behind the ears
and near the neckline at the back of the head.
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Fast Facts
• An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations
occur each year among US children 3 to 11
years of age
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• Head lice do not discriminate, often infesting
people with good hygiene.
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They spread
mainly through head-to-head contact
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• If you or your child exhibits signs of an
infestation, it is important to talk to your
doctor to learn about treatment options