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Head Lice: Symptoms, Identification, and Treatment | Easy Health Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Adult lice are 2-3mm long (sesame seed size) and can live up to 30 days on the scalp, laying 6-10 eggs daily that hatch in 7-10 days.
  • Nits (eggs) appear as yellow-brown oval specks glued to hair shafts within 1/4 inch of the scalp and cannot be easily brushed away, unlike dandruff.
  • Peak transmission occurs in children ages 3-11 through direct head-to-head contact for 30+ seconds—casual contact like hugging rarely spreads infestation.
  • First-line treatment involves permethrin 1% cream rinse applied to damp hair for 10 minutes, then repeated in 7-9 days to kill newly hatched lice.
  • Washing items in 130°F+ water for 20 minutes or storing in sealed bags for 2 weeks eliminates lice, as they cannot survive more than 24-48 hours off the scalp.

Head lice are tiny insects that can infest the scalp and cause intense itching. While they don't spread disease, they can be very uncomfortable and easily spread from person to person. In this article, we'll cover the basics of head lice, including symptoms, identification, and treatment options.

What are Head Lice?

Head lice are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood and live close to the scalp. They are most common among children in elementary and middle school, with an estimated 6 to 12 million cases each year in the United States. Despite popular belief, having head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene—anyone can get them.

Symptoms of Head Lice

The most common symptoms of head lice include:

  • Intense itching on the scalp, often worse at night

  • A rash around the hairline

  • Visible lice or lice eggs (nits) in the hair

How Head Lice Spread

Head lice do not jump or fly; they crawl from one head to another through direct head-to-head contact. They can also spread by sharing items that come in contact with the head, such as:

  • Hats and helmets

  • Combs and brushes

  • Bedding and pillows

  • Earbuds and headphones

Young children may also get or spread lice when crawling on rugs.

Head Lice: Symptoms, Identification, and Treatment | Easy Health Guide

Identifying Head Lice

There are three stages of head lice to look for:

  1. Nits (lice eggs): Tiny, oval-shaped eggs about the size of a knot in thread. They are usually yellow or white but can match the color of the hair. Nits are found on the first 1-2 inches of hair closest to the scalp and are difficult to remove.

  2. Nymphs: Baby lice that hatch from nits. They feed on blood from the scalp and mature over 9-12 days.

  3. Adult lice: About the size of a sesame seed (2-3mm), adult lice are tan or grayish-white and have six legs with claws to grip hair. They can live for 30 days on the scalp but die within 1-2 days if they fall off.

Treating Head Lice

If you suspect your child has head lice, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for treatment recommendations. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to kill lice and nits. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and repeat the treatment as directed to ensure all lice are eliminated.

In addition to treating the scalp, it's important to wash bedding, clothing, and other items that have been in contact with the infested person in hot water. Seal non-washable items in a plastic bag for 2 weeks. Soak combs and brushes in hot water for 5-10 minutes.

Remember to notify your child's school if head lice are discovered so they can take steps to prevent the spread to other students. By understanding the symptoms, identification, and treatment of head lice, you can help keep your family comfortable and lice-free.

For more information on head lice, visit:

The Bottom Line

Most cases resolve completely with two properly-timed treatments and thorough cleaning of personal items in hot water. The key is applying the second treatment exactly 7-9 days after the first to break the life cycle. If you're dealing with persistent itching or need guidance on proper treatment timing, Doctronic can provide quick answers.

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