Head lice

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Head lice

Nit on human hair

Lice, head - nits in the hair with close-up

Head louse emerging from egg

Head louse, male

Head louse - female

Head louse infestation - scalp

Head lice

Alternative Names:

Lice - head; Nits; Pediculosis capitis - head lice
Prevention:

Check policies at schools, daycares, preschools, and nurseries. Many do not allow infected children to be at school until the lice have been completely treated. Sometimes, however, the insects get into carpets or other areas at the school. It is helpful if the school has policies to ensure the environment is cleared of lice.
DO NOT share hair brushes, combs, hair pieces, hats, bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has lice.

References:

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Long SS, Pickering LK, Prober, CG, eds. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 2nd Ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles of Infectious Diseases. 5^th Ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone, 2000:2972-2973.

Goetz CG, Pappert EJ. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2^nd Ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2003.