Under the microscope: Head lice
Worried about your kids catching headlice? Here's the fast facts...
What are head lice?
They're tiny, flat, grey/brown insects about the size of a seed on a burger bun. They lay eggs which hatch after 7-10 days, then the new louse takes 10 days to grow and join in the egg-laying process!
What are the symptoms of head lice?
It's hard to tell if you or your kids have head lice so it's good to do detection combing. You can do this as often as once a week. Constant scratching of the scalp is a good indicator but you might also see tiny red spots on the scalp.
Where do I or my kids get head lice?
They cling on to hair very close to the scalp. They're often found around the ears.
Who is affected by head lice?
Adults and children can get head lice but they're most common among kids of school age. Animals can't pass on or catch head lice. It's not a sign of bad hygiene. Head lice walk from hair to hair, they can't jump.
How do you treat head lice?
You only need to treat it if you see live lice. Nits are just the empty egg shells. There are three main ways:
- The best and easiest is by 'wet-combing' using a nit comb to trap the lice
- Use an insecticide lotion (works for about 7-8 in 10 cases)
- Use a dimeticone lotion (an alternative to insecticide lotion)
It's important to continue treatment until the lice are all gone.
Do family and friends need treatment too?
Only if they have lice. It's a good idea to tell everyone who has had recent head-to-head contact. Children with head lice should continue to go to school but it's a good idea to tell the parents of their close friends. - Read all the other conditions under the microscope
More help and advice
- Get the facts on head lice
- See guides for treatment of head lice
- More kids' health advice
- What you need in your medicine cabinet
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Christine Brown, 12 months
My name is Christine Brown and I am a school nurse consultant and adviser to Primary Care Trusts in relation to policy for tackling head lice. The best way to stop infestation is for families to check regularly and, if headlice are detected, to tackle the problem with a non-pesticide based treatment that lice can't build up a resistance to. There are several options to choose from including lotions containing a product called dimeticone. 'Once a Week, Take a Peek' is a national campaign designed to encourage parents to check regularly and educate people about the best ways to spot and treat headlice. Tips and advice can be found at www.onceaweektakeapeek.com. Christine Brown, Nurse Consultant
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