Head lice are small parasites (Pediculus humanus capitis) that can infest the hair and scalp of humans. Head lice are common in young children and their families.
Head lice may produce intense itching of the scalp, but it often produces no symptoms at all. Other possible signs and symptoms of a head lice infestation include
- a tickling feeling from hair movement,
- nits (lice eggs) stuck on hair shafts, or
- red bumps on the shoulder, neck, and scalp.
Cause of a head lice infestation
Direct spread from person to person by head-to-head contact or direct contact with the hair of an infested person can cause a head lice infestation. Other ways for head lice spread include sharing of combs, brushes, caps, and other clothing.
Other head lice symptoms and signs
- Intense Itching of the Scalp
- Nits (Lice Eggs) Stuck on Hair Shafts
- Red Bumps on the Neck, Scalp, and Shoulder
- Tickling Feeling From Hair Movement
Main Article on Head Lice Symptoms and Signs

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Lice & Nits: How to Get Rid of Head Lice
Learn how to get rid of head lice. Lice attach themselves to the scalp and feed off of human blood. Discover head lice symptoms...
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Picture of Head Lice
Head lice. This shows numerous lice as well as their grayish-white egg capsules (nits) stuck firmly on the hairs in a child.
Examples of Medications for Head Lice Symptoms and Signs
- benzyl alcohol
- ivermectin
- ivermectin topical
- lindane lotion - topical
- lindane shampoo - topical
- malathion
- malathion (Ovide)
- Natroba (spinosad)
- permethrin
- permethrin cream rinse - topical, NIX
- permethrin topical cream (Nix Cream, Elimite)
- pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide - topical, Medi-Lice
- pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide shampoo - topical, Medi-Lice, R & C
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