Head Lice

Head lice are parasitic wingless insects. They live on people's heads and feed on their blood. An adult is called a louse and is about the size of a sesame seed. The eggs, called nits, are even smaller - almost like a dandruff flake. Lice and nits are easiest to detect at the neckline and behind the ears.

Head lice are extremely contagious. Close contact or sharing personal belongings, such as hats or hairbrushes, puts people at risk. Children ages 3-11 and their families get head lice most often. Personal hygiene has nothing to do with getting head lice.

Symptoms are

• Tickling feeling in the hair
• Frequent itching
• Sores from scratching

The most important step in treating head lice is to treat the person and other family members with medicine to kill the lice.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

External Resources

Class Act Theatre Inc. - Theatre company in education for primary and secondary schools covering issues such as bullying, health, nutrition, drug awareness and head lice.

Safe4people.com - Products for hair care, hair loss and head lice. Also offers organic cleaners.

Head Lice Info and Products - Head lice removal products with safe and non-toxic treatment plan for adults and school age children, who are infested with head lice.

Oglala Lakota Division of Distributing - The effects of head lice on the lives of our children, and successful prevention and treatment solutions are discussed. Information for families, school officials, and health care providers.

LiceGuard - Non-toxic treatment to end head lice infestations and to help avoid getting head lice.

Light-Tech - Head lice and nits are commonly missed because of poor vision. The Light-Tech Model 580 will illuminate and magnify louse and nits improving detection and treatment.

Pronto - Features products to treat head lice and kill their eggs. Offers parental advice and product information.

Nitty Gritty - Details about the product, head lice. Ordering instructions

Headlicecure - Offers helps to cure head lice and nits. Includes FAQs, in the news, testimonials, guarantee and ordering instructions.

Head Lice Control - Offers badges that work by emitting a frequency that deters headlice.