Head lice are a common problem among school-age children. They do not spread disease and are not a sign of poor hygiene, but they can be frustrating because they spread easily through close contact. Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. They cannot jump or fly; instead, they crawl from one person’s hair to another, especially when children play closely at school, daycare, sports activities, sleepovers, or camps.

Although lice can sometimes spread through shared hats, brushes, or pillows, direct head-to-head contact is considered a much more common way of transmission. One of the most noticeable symptoms is an itchy scalp, although itching can take several weeks to appear. Other signs include a tickling feeling, small bugs moving through the hair, and tiny white or yellowish eggs called nits attached firmly near the scalp. Scratching may also cause red or irritated areas.

Because lice move quickly and avoid light, finding them can be difficult. The most reliable way to check is with a fine-toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair. Comb through small sections from the scalp toward the ends, checking the comb after each pass. Finding old or empty eggshells does not always mean there is an active infestation, since they can remain attached to hair after the lice are gone.

Health authorities generally recommend treating only when live lice are found. Treatment may include an over-the-counter or prescription product, along with careful combing to remove lice and nits. Some treatments need to be repeated because they may not kill newly hatched lice, so it is important to follow the product instructions carefully rather than relying on unproven home remedies.