What should you know about head and body lice?

Head lice live mainly on scalp hair; their eggs, called nits, cling firmly near the hair root. Body lice usually lay eggs in clothing or bedding and move to the skin to feed. Itching may appear after an infestation has been present for a while, and scratching can cause sores or secondary infection. Nits can be confused with scalp scale, but dandruff generally brushes away more easily. Lice are spread mainly through close contact or shared items that touch hair or clothing, not through poor hygiene.

Confirm the finding by looking for a live crawling louse with bright light and a fine-toothed comb. Follow the directions for an approved Head Lice Treatment exactly; some products need a repeat application because eggs may survive the first treatment. Wash or hot-dry recently used clothing, bedding, and towels, and seal items that cannot be cleaned for an appropriate period. Avoid sharing combs, hats, scarves, or brushes. Check household and close contacts, but do not treat people unless lice are found or a clinician advises it.

Arrange a GP Consultation if you cannot tell whether the finding is lice, treatment has not worked as directed, or the scalp is sore, crusted, or infected-looking. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, pus, fever, or marked swelling. Children, pregnant people, and anyone with sensitive or broken skin should ask a clinician or pharmacist which product is appropriate before use.

Ask how to distinguish live lice from nits, whether household contacts need checking, when to repeat treatment, and which cleaning steps matter for your household. Mention previous products and any reaction after applying them.