Head Lice

Lice eggs (commonly known as nits). They are tiny yellow, tan, or brown dots before they hatch. Once they have hatched, the remaining shell looks white or clear. Lice lay nits on hair shafts close to scalp, as they like the temperature as it is perfect for keeping warm until they hatch. Nits can look very similar to dandruff; a way of telling the difference is that they cannot be removed by brushing or shaking them off.

Adult lice and nymphs (baby lice). The adult louse is greyish – white colour and no bigger than sesame seed. Nymphs are smaller and become adult lice about 1 to 2 weeks after they hatch. Lice will feed on blood several times a day and can survive up to 2 days off the scalp.

Scratching. It is difficult not to scratch once the lice have bitten as the scalp becomes itchy. The itching may not always start right away – it can depend on how sensitive the child’s skin is to the lice. If the child’s skin is not sensitive then it can take weeks before the child’s reacts to the bites. However they talk of things moving around on or tickling their heads.

Small, red bumps or sores from scratching. Your child may find it hard not to scratch their head although this does vary. Some kids, the sensation is mild; others may find this more distressing. Although this may be difficult the child must try not to scratch excessively as this can lead to a bacterial infection (where the skin can become red and tender and may have crusting and oozing along with swollen lymph glands). This can be treated by your doctor with a course of oral antibiotics.

One way to check your child’s hair is by parting the hair into small sections and checking for lice and nits on the scalp. Nits can be found behind the ears, and around the nape of the neck very rarely are they found on eyelashes or eyebrows. If you suspect your child has them but cannot see any a magnifying glass and bright light may help. Adult lice or nymph are often hard to spot as there aren't as many and are able to move faster.

If you are concerned and your child is constantly scratching their head and the itching is not going away please do contact your doctor. As he or she should be able to tell you if your child is infested with lice and needs to be treated.

Also check with your child's school nurse or childcare centre to see if other children have recently been treated for lice. If you discover that your child does, have lice or nits, you should contact the staff at the school or any childcare centres your child goes to.

Are Lice Contagious?

Yes Lice are highly contagious spreading quickly from person to person. This is extremely common in group settings, schools, childcare centres, slumber parties, sports activities, and camps.

They cannot fly or jump but have specially adapted claws that allow them to crawl and cling firmly to hair. Spreading mainly via head-to-head contact, but sharing clothing, bed linens, combs, brushes, and hats can also help pass them along. Children are most prone to catching lice because they have close physical contact with each other and often share personal items.

Families with pets may be concerned and wonder if a family pet may be catching the pests and passing them on to your family. Rest assured that pets can't catch head lice and pass them on to people or the other way around.