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Getting Rid of Lice: What You Should Know

How the structures involved in Head Lice differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Head Lice differ from normal

Short answer

Getting rid of head lice requires a suitable lice treatment or thorough wet combing, followed by repeat checking and treatment as directed.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Confirm
Look for live lice and firmly attached nits
Key step
Repeat checking and treatment as instructed
Avoid sharing
Combs, brushes, hats and pillows

What head lice means

Head lice are small insects that live close to the scalp and feed on blood. Nits are eggs attached firmly to hair shafts; flakes usually brush away more easily. Itching can occur, including an itchy scalp or itching worse at night, but itching alone does not confirm lice. Check in bright light, especially behind the ears and at the nape.

What to do

Confirm live lice before treating when possible. Follow the product instructions exactly, including how long it stays on and whether a second application is needed. Wet-comb damp, conditioned hair with a fine-toothed comb, wiping the comb after each pass. Check household members and close contacts, but treat people only when live lice are found or a clinician advises it. Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats and pillows; wash recently used bedding and clothing, and seal items that cannot be washed for a short period. A pharmacist or head lice treatment service can help when the first approach fails.

When to seek care

Book a GP consultation if you are unsure that lice are present, if treatment has not worked after following the instructions, or if scratching has caused sores, crusting or signs of infection. Get advice before using a product on a young child, during pregnancy, or on an irritated scalp.

Questions for your doctor

How can we confirm live lice? Which treatment is suitable for this scalp, and when should the hair be checked again?

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Do nits always mean active lice?

Not necessarily. Nits may remain after lice are gone, so finding live crawling lice is more useful when confirming an active infestation.

Should the whole home be treated?

Treat people who have live lice or are advised to receive treatment. Clean recently used personal items, but avoid unnecessary chemical spraying around the home.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.