What should you know about full marks head lice?

Head lice crawl rather than jump or fly, and they live close to the scalp. Eggs, often called nits, are firmly attached to individual hairs; flakes usually brush away more easily. Itching can occur, especially around the ears and nape, but a person may have lice without much itching at first. Finding a live crawling louse is the clearest confirmation. An itchy scalp or itching worse at night can have other causes, so symptoms alone do not prove lice.

Check the scalp and hair in bright light, using a fine-toothed detection comb on wet, conditioned hair. If live lice are found, follow the chosen product label exactly, including application time and whether a repeat application is required. Comb methodically from the roots to the ends and wipe the comb after each pass. Check household members and close contacts, but treat only those with confirmed live lice or professional advice. Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, and pillows while the household plan is underway. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before using products on young children, pregnancy, or irritated skin.

Arrange a GP consultation if live lice remain after correctly following treatment, the scalp has sores or spreading redness, or repeated products have irritated the skin. Medical advice is useful when the diagnosis is uncertain, a child is very young, or several treatments have failed. Seek urgent care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a severe reaction after a product.

How can I confirm that what I found is a live louse? Which treatment suits this age and scalp condition? Does the product need repeating? How should I comb, and which contacts need checking?