Head Lice

 

What are head lice?

Head lice are very common. They are small (adult lice are the size of a sesame seed) grey-brown insects that live only on human scalps. They cannot fly or jump; neither can they burrow into the scalp. They can affect anyone, with long or short hair, no matter how clean the hair is.

 

How can a head lice infestation be treated?

Treatment is needed only when an active louse infestation is present; as shown by the presence of living and moving lice, or of eggs that have not hatched and are attached to the hairs close to the scalp. Neither itching by itself, nor evidence of an old infestation (only empty egg cases), is a reason for starting treatment.