---
name: lice-care
description: Use when asked for general educational information about head lice care — common symptoms, general self-care measures, and when to seek medical attention — for education only, not medical advice; always direct the reader to consult a doctor or health care professional.
---

# Lice Care

> ⚠️ **Ask your doctor or health care professional. This information is AI generated for education and NOT medical advice.**

Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on
blood, spreading through direct head-to-head contact. They're common,
especially among school-age children, and are not a sign of poor
hygiene.

## Common symptoms

Itchy scalp, a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, and
visible lice or eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts close to the scalp.

## General self-care measures

- Use an appropriate lice treatment (medicated shampoo/lotion or
  wet-combing with a fine-toothed comb) as directed, and repeat
  treatment as recommended since a single treatment often doesn't kill
  all eggs.
- Check all household members and treat those affected.
- Wash recently used bedding, clothing, and hats in hot water, though
  extensive home decontamination is generally less important than
  treating the person directly.
- Avoid head-to-head contact and sharing hair items (brushes, hats)
  while lice are present.

## When to seek medical attention

- Lice that don't respond to over-the-counter treatment after repeated
  attempts.
- Signs of skin infection from scratching (increasing redness, swelling,
  pus).
- Uncertainty about diagnosis or treatment choice, especially for
  infants or those with skin sensitivities.

## Common pitfalls

- **Treating lice as a hygiene problem** — lice spread through contact
  regardless of cleanliness; this is a common and harmful misconception
  that adds unnecessary stigma.
- **Only treating once** — many treatments need to be repeated after
  about a week to catch lice that hatched from eggs that survived the
  first treatment.
- **Excessive, unnecessary household decontamination** — lice survive
  only briefly off the scalp; focusing treatment effort on the affected
  person(s) matters more than extensive environmental cleaning.

## Learn more

- [[dermatology-assessment]] for related skin-condition assessment.
- [[health-care]] for general navigation of health systems.