Head Lice

Head Lice are tiny, barely visible insects that live on the head and cause itching. (Lice is plural; the singular is louse). Head Lice may also live in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard.

Causes

Head Lice are insects that can infect the human body. They are spread by personal contact and by sharing combs, brushes, hats, and other personal items.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condtion.
  • Age: childhood
  • Sharing combs, brushes, hats and other personal items
  • Personal contact with people who may have lice

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Extreme itchiness
  • Skin breaks and possible infection (caused by scratching)
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Bacterial infection (if scratching causes open areas on the scalp)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor will examine your head and scalp for lice and lice eggs (called nits). Do not self-diagnose and self-treat Head Lice because some treatments can cause irritation and should only be used by people who have Head Lice.

Treatment

Treating Head Lice involves removing eggs and killing lice so that they can't continue to lay eggs. Methods include:
  • Manually remove eggs with specially designed combs.
  • Apply over-the-counter shampoo containing the insecticide, permethrin. Preparations containing lindane are less frequently recommended because they often fail and have a toxic effect on the nervous system Lindane should never be used in pregnant or nursing women or children under the age of 2. It is very important to use these products as directed and not to overuse, because they can cause irritation.
  • Lice on the eyelashes can be very difficult to remove. Forceps can be used to pick them off. Vaseline may be used to coat the eyelashes and kill the lice.

Prevention

To prevent outbreaks of Head Lice:
  • Watch for signs of head lice, such as frequent head scratching.
  • Dont share combs, brushes, hats or other personal items with people who may have lice.
  • Avoid close personal contact with people who may have lice.
  • If you or your children have had lice, thoroughly wash and dry combs, brushes, hats, clothing, bedding, and stuffed animals, and vacuum carpeting and car seats.
  • If your children get head lice, notify their school, camp, day care provider, and their friends' parents.
  • Check all family members for lice and eggs at least once a week.