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Head lice

Also called: Head lice, nits, lice

Tiny insects that live on the scalp and lay eggs (nits) on hair, causing itching. Common in children, harmless, and treatable with lice shampoo and combing.

Spread byHead-to-head contact
Not a sign ofBeing dirty
TreatmentLice products and combing

Overview

Lice don't jump or fly and don't spread disease.

Nits are glued to the hair near the scalp.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Itchy scalp
  • Lice or nits in hair
  • Lice or nits in the hair

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayScalp sores with fever.
See a doctor soonLice after 2 treatments.

Causes

Head contact.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Yes, it can spread from person to person.
  • How it spreads: head-to-head contact.
  • Don't share towels, hats, combs, or bedding while it's being treated.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Children 3 to 11

Diagnosis

Finding a live louse confirms it.

The exam

Combing wet hair with a fine-tooth comb.

Treatment

Treat and comb.

Self-care

  • Use a lice treatment as directed
  • Comb wet hair with a nit comb every 2 to 3 days for 2 weeks
  • Wash bedding and hats in hot water
  • Check others in the home

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Lice treatments
LiceFollow the label.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent:

  • Avoid sharing hats and brushes

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Children don't need to miss school. Start treatment and go back the next day.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Curable.

Myths and facts

Myth: Head lice mean a child is dirty.

Fact: Lice spread by head-to-head contact and like clean hair too.

Myth: Lice jump or fly.

Fact: Lice crawl. They can't jump or fly.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Head lice

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.