What should you know about head lice infection?

Adult lice and younger lice stay close to scalp hair, where they feed. Eggs, called nits, are attached to hairs and may remain after live lice have been removed. Transmission usually follows close contact between heads; sharing brushes, hats, or bedding is less common but should be avoided during management.

Many people develop an itchy scalp, and itching may be more noticeable at night. Scratching can break the skin and allow irritation or a secondary infection. Compare symptoms with [Itchy Scalp](/symptoms/itchy-scalp/) and [Head Lice](/conditions/head-lice/).

Confirm the finding with bright light and a fine detection comb, concentrating behind the ears and at the nape. Once live lice are found, use a suitable treatment exactly as directed. Combing can remove lice and eggs, but the method must be repeated according to the chosen plan because newly hatched lice may be missed.

Check people who have had close contact and treat only confirmed infestations unless a clinician gives different advice. Clean or set aside recently used combs, hats, pillowcases, and towels. Read about [Head Lice Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/head-lice-treatment/).

Contact a clinician through a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) when the diagnosis remains unclear, lice persist after careful treatment, or the scalp becomes painful, swollen, crusted, or oozing. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty or swelling after applying a product.

Ask how to distinguish active infection from empty nits, whether household contacts need checking, how to use the recommended product safely, and when persistent itching needs another diagnosis.