Head Lice in Children: Treatment for the Whole Family
Head lice spread by head to head contact, not dirty hair. Check everyone at home, treat those with live lice, and repeat treatment to catch new hatchlings.
Condition guide
Head lice
Also known as Joon, Lice, Nits, Pediculosis capitis.
In short
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp, feed on blood and lay eggs called nits that stick firmly to the hair. They spread mainly through head to head contact, are very common in school children and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Everyone in the family should be checked, only those with live lice need treatment, and treatment is repeated to catch lice that hatch from eggs.
Typical signs
- Itching of the scalp, often behind the ears and at the back of the neck
- Tiny white or yellow brown specks stuck firmly to hairs near the scalp
- Live lice moving on the scalp or hair
- Scratch marks, sores or crusts on the scalp
When to see a dermatologist
- Lice keep coming back despite correct treatment
- The scalp has sores, pus, crusts or swollen glands, or there is fever
- A baby, a pregnant woman or someone with a scalp condition needs treatment
- The scalp is scaly or has patches of hair loss
- Itching continues even though no live lice are found
Signs vary from person to person and several skin conditions look alike. Only an examination can confirm a diagnosis.
Read the guides
Full, referenced articles on head lice written for Indian skin, with answers to common questions.
Worried about head lice?
Book an online consultation with Dr. Maria Ansari for an assessment and a written care plan made for you.
This page is a short summary for general education and does not replace a consultation with a qualified dermatologist. Do not start, stop or change any medicine based on this page. Read the full medical disclaimer.