Lice are usually killed with proper treatment. However, lice may come back, especially if the source is not corrected. For example, a classroom with many infected children can cause kids to repeatedly get lice.

When one case is detected in a family or a school or child-care center, every child at that location should be examined for head lice. This can help prevent further spreading.

Some people will develop a secondary skin infection from scratching. Antihistamines can help relieve the itching. 

Call your health care provider if symptoms continue after home treatment, or if you develop areas of red, tender skin, which could mean a possible infection.

Images

Head louse - female

Nit on human hair

Head louse infestation - scalp

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

Head lice

Head louse, male

Head louse emerging from egg

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Review Date: 01/24/2011
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)