Lice
Lice are parasitic insects that feed on blood and can live in peoples heads and on their bodies, including in the pubic area. Head lice often are a concern for parents of young children. Lice crawl, not hop or fly, and are spread commonly through head-to-head contact. A child with lice will experience itching, difficulty sleeping, and sores on the head. The child also might feel like something is moving in his hair. Prescription and over-the-counter shampoos, plus a special comb with tight teeth, work best to kill lice and remove their eggs, called nits.
Recently Answered
- Q How are body lice diagnosed?
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You can diagnose body lice simply by looking at your skin, clothing, and linens. If you see lice or eggs, then you are infested and should seek treatment. Your doctor will be able to diagnose body lice through a physical exam and you should not need any... Full Answer
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- Q How can I get rid of lice in my child’s hair?
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Dr. Michael Roizen, Internal MedicineDid you get the “official” letter from the school nurse saying your child has head lice, again? It’s okay. While it’s part of every parent’s nightmare, don’t panic! There are plenty of ways to get rid of the creepy... Full Answer
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- Q What are head lice?
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Head lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live on humans, hiding in the scalp hair. They are transmitted from one individual to another. They require human blood for survival and do not typically live on non-human hosts. The female louse lays... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of head lice?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineThe most common symptom of head lice is itching. Other symptoms are a feeling of something moving in the hair, irritability of sleeplessness and sores on the head. The sores are not caused by lice but are a result of scratching. The sores can... Full Answer
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- Q Can head lice be prevented?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineYes, head lice can be prevented. You should avoid having head-to-head contact. Do not share combs, brushes, or towels. Do not come in direct contact with clothing, bedding, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals of people that have been recently infested.... Full Answer
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- Q How are head lice treated?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf someone has head lice, tell the people around the person, pick out the nits from the person's hair, and make sure all brushes, bedding, clothes, and other materials are clean. Learn more about this topic in this video of Dr. Oz. Full Answer
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- Q How are head lice found?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineHead lice are found by finding a live louse on the scalp or hair of a person. Using a fine tooth comb may help with identification of lice. Full Answer
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- Q How common are head lice?
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Dr. Angela Lowery, Family MedicineHead lice are most common among preschool and school age children their household members and those caring for them. Full Answer
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- Q How should I manage my child's head lice?
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Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann, PediatricsTry over-the-counter lice shampoo applied to a dry scalp and hair and leave on for as long as recommended. Finally, comb out every nit (the tiny whitish-gray eggs) from your child’s head--this can be very time consuming if there is a lot of hair!... Full Answer
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- Q How can I prevent my child from getting head lice again?
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Clean any lice or nits from your home and child’s things: Vacuum your child’s room well. Soak combs and brushes for one hour in a solution made from the anti-lice shampoo. Wash all your child’s bed linens and any clothes he has worn in... Full Answer
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