White head lice and pale nits

Head-lice eggs are attached to individual hairs, often close to the scalp, and can be difficult to slide off. Empty egg cases may look pale or white after hatching. Dandruff, dry skin, lint, and styling products tend to sit on the scalp or hair surface and may brush away. Live crawling lice are easier to confirm than a pale speck alone. Itching, especially at night, or an itchy scalp can occur, but some people have little irritation. Head lice spread mainly through close hair-to-hair contact, not because a person is unclean.

Check in bright light using a fine-toothed detection comb on wet, conditioned hair. Wipe the comb after each pass and inspect what is removed. If live lice are found, follow the instructions for an appropriate head-lice treatment and repeat only as directed; different products have different schedules. Check close household contacts and avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats, or bedding until advice is followed. Do not use household insecticides or layer multiple lice products. A GP consultation can help when the finding is uncertain or treatment has not worked.

Arrange medical advice if you cannot tell whether the objects are nits, if the scalp is scratched raw, or if itching continues after correct treatment. Seek prompt care for spreading redness, pain, pus, fever, or a child who seems unwell. Persistent symptoms may reflect eczema, infection, or another scalp condition rather than active lice.

Ask whether live lice or viable nits are present, which treatment suits the person affected, when to repeat it, and how to manage close contacts. Mention previous products and any scalp wounds.