Head lice are tiny insects that live in the hair.

Check your child's hair for lice

They feed by sucking blood from the scalp. This irritates that scalp and causes itching, which can sometimes lead to infections. Scratch marks around the back of the head and over the ears may mean your child has head lice.

Head lice do not fly, but crawl from one head to another when children are playing closely, or when they share hats, combs, etc.

Head lice lay tiny eggs, called nits on the hair strand close to the scalp. These nits are small and white to clear-colored. You can tell them from dandruff by flicking them with your finger. Dandruff will blow away, but nits will stick to the hair strand.

These nits hatch and produce new adult lice that then lay more eggs.

If there is no evidence of lice, continue to check your child's hair periodically. Lice shampoos and crème rinses are considered safe. Yet, they contain insecticides, and should only be used when needed. DO NOT use lice shampoo on a child who does not have evidence of lice.

Teach your child that she should not share combs, hats or other items that come into contact with the hair.

What do I do if I find lice or nits?

There are a number of products for head lice that can be purchased over-the-counter at the drugstore. Follow the directions carefully!

Remove all of the nits with a lice comb and by hand picking. Most shampoos kill about 70% of the nits, leaving 30% to hatch and cause further infestation.

Wash bedding, including sheets, blankets, etc. and dry them in a dryer. Stuffed animals, etc. may be placed in a plastic garbage bag and left for 30 days.

Wash all recently worn clothing, including hats. Wash recently used towels, etc.

Wash all combs and brushes thoroughly.

Vacuum the mattress and all carpeted or fabric surfaces where your child has been. Remember to vacuum the sofa and fabric car seats.

Due to the further exposure to insecticides, we do not recommend the use of lice sprays for fabric surfaces.