No more nits: what to know

Nits are eggs attached firmly to individual hairs, often close to the scalp. Dandruff, lint, and product residue usually slide away more easily. Finding an old nit does not prove that live lice remain; a careful check for crawling lice and newly attached eggs is more informative. Head Lice commonly spread through close head-to-head contact, and an itchy scalp or itching worse at night can occur, but symptoms alone cannot confirm infestation.

Scratching can irritate the scalp and create broken skin. It may also make it harder to tell lice-related irritation from dermatitis or another scalp problem.

Use a fine-toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, working in small sections from the scalp outward. Wipe the comb after each pass and repeat checks on the schedule advised for the product or clinician. Treat live lice with an appropriate Head Lice Treatment, following its label exactly; do not apply extra product or mix treatments. Check close household contacts and avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories. Wash or isolate recently used items as advised, without excessive whole-home cleaning.

Arrange a GP Consultation if live lice remain after correctly following treatment, the scalp has sores or pus, or you are unsure whether specks are nits. Seek prompt advice for spreading redness, fever, severe pain, or an allergic reaction. Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and very young age may require product-specific guidance.

Are these attached specks live nits or residue? Which treatment suits my age and household? When should I repeat combing or treatment? How can I tell reinfestation from leftover empty eggs?