What is Head Lice?

Answer:
Head lice are parasites that can live on human heads.

Head lice infection, or pediculosis, is common in school-aged children, partly because children of that age have so much interaction with other children, so it is easy for the lice infestation to spread.

Lice eggs are called nits. They are small whitish dots that are attached to individual hairs and can be very hard to see, especially on light hare. When the nits hatch, they are called nymphs. Nymphs eat blood and are smaller than adult lice.

About a week after a nit hatches, the nymph matures into an adult louse, the singular of lice. Adult lice must also feed on blood, and can live up to a month as long as they are getting a constant supply. Lice hold onto the hair shaft with claws shaped like hooks.

Head lice infestation is a common problem, but must be treated immediately and aggressively. Lice-killing shampoos and treatments are available, and nits can be combed out of the hair using a fine-toothed comb. Clothing, bedding, and soft toys should be washed in hot water and dried in the dryer.


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