Head lice are common among school-aged children. They spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact. They are not a sign of poor hygiene, and they do not spread by jumping or flying.
Signs to check for
- Itching, especially behind the ears or near the back of the neck (although some people have no itching).
- A crawling louse seen while carefully checking the hair.
- Nits attached to hair shafts. Nits alone can be hard to identify and do not always mean live lice are present.
What to do
- Check the hair in bright light with a fine-tooth comb. Look for live crawling lice.
- If you find live lice, choose a treatment suitable for the person’s age and use it exactly as its label directs. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
- Follow the treatment label on combing, checking and whether a second treatment is needed. Different products have different instructions.
- Check household members and close contacts, and treat only people with an active infestation as directed.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises following the medicine label and consulting a healthcare provider before treating young children. This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Read the Nullshimmer product information and use and safety page before considering the product.
More answers
Questions about this topic
Does getting lice mean a child is unclean?
No. Head lice affect people regardless of how often they wash their hair. Anyone can get them.
How can I confirm an active infestation?
Finding a live crawling louse is the best sign. Use a fine-tooth comb and check the scalp and hair in good light.
When should I ask for medical advice?
Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional before treating a young child, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you are unsure which product is suitable.