Head Lice - The Facts

What is Pediculosis (head lice)? 

Head lice are tiny insects about the size of a sesame seed that live on the skin of the scalp and the hair. They feed on blood and lay eggs that they attach to the hair shaft. Eggs (nits) typically hatch after about 1 week. The young lice then feed on blood and become adults that will live for about a month. 

Signs and symptoms

*Presence of lice or attached eggs on the scalp or on the hair 

*Itching behind the ears and at the back of the neck (scratching may lead to secondary infections)

*Crawling or tickling sensation

*Visible lice on the hair shafts

*Small oval eggs (nits) glued firmly to the base of hair shafts, most commonly found behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. They look like tiny yellow, tan, or brown specks (unlike dandruff, they do not brush off easily