Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp.
An infestation of head lice most often affects children and usually results from the direct transfer of lice from the hair of one person to the hair of another.
A head-lice infestation isn't a sign of poor personal hygiene or an unclean living environment.
Head lice don't carry bacterial or viral infectious diseases.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat head lice.
Common signs and symptoms of a lice infestation can include:
- Itching.
- Lice on scalp.
- Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts.
- Sores on the scalp, neck and shoulders.
These symptoms may be caused by other conditions as well.
Things often mistaken for nits include:
- Dandruff
- Residue from hair products
- Bead of dead hair tissue on a hair shaft (hair cast)
- Scabs, dirt or other debris
- Other small insects found in the hair
Transmission of a head louse from one person to another is often by direct head-to-head contact, often within a family or among children who have close contact at school or play.
Indirect transmission is uncommon, but lice may spread from one person to another by items such as:
- Hats and scarves
- Brushes
- Hair accessories
- Headphones
- Pillows, towels and upholstery
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/head-lice/symptoms-causes/syc-20356180
