• (0)
• 
• 

goodtoknow says: Head lice are not a sign of dirty hair, they don't leap or jump from head to head and they don't 'prefer' one type of hair to another. Head lice are tiny grey/brown insects that live on your head and hair feeding off your scalp. They're extremely common and highly contagious, especially in young children. When they hatch, they leave a shell behind, these are called nits. The best and simplest way to get rid of them is 'wet combing' using a nit comb to trap the lice. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist. For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of head lice from patient.co.uk, read on. Head lice are common. They can usually be cleared with treatment.

What are head lice and nits?

*Head lice are tiny grey/brown insects. They are about the size of a sesame seed (the seeds on burger buns). Head lice cling to hairs, but stay close to the scalp which they feed off. Head lice lay eggs which hatch after 7-10 days. It takes about 10 days for a newly hatched louse to grow to an adult and start to lay eggs. *Nits are the empty white egg shells which are left when the lice hatch. Nits can look like dandruff, but stick strongly to hair. Unlike dandruff, you cannot easily brush out nits.

More help and advice

- Read more: who gets head lice? - Buy X-It Head lice treatment in the goodtoknow shop - More embarrassing problems solved - More kids' health advice

• Next: Who gets head lice?

• Comment (0)
• Send to a friend
• Print: Article |  Page