Show All Answers

1. What are head lice and how are the spread?

Head lice are very small bugs called parasites that can infest the hair on the human head. Head lice are spread through direct contact with anyone who has head lice or by indirect contact such as the sharing of personal items contaminated with lice or their eggs. View head lice information online.

2. What are the signs of head lice and how is it treated?

The symptoms of head lice are itching of the head and the back of the neck, possible swelling in the lymph glands of the neck and/or in the armpit area, and in more severe cases, muscle aches or fever may occur. Upon observation, oval shaped white, gray, or light brown colored nits may be seen attached to the individual hairs close to the hair shaft. There should be no confusing them with dandruff since they cannot be easily removed. There may be scratch marks or open sores seen on the scalp.

The actual lice are very tiny and may be seen as black or rust colored dots that cling to the base of the hairs. Use of a magnifying glass makes them easier to see.