Quantcast Numerous tiny, white lice eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft are seen in this person with head lice. Lice (pediculosis capitis) can cause intense itching, which can result in scratching and areas of bloody skin crusts, as seen in this image. This image displays lice eggs, which are visible and persist even after lice are eliminated, unless removed. Very rarely, the head louse may also lay eggs (nits) on the eyelashes. (See the tiny white spots on the upper eyelashes.) Children with head lice often have multiple scratched areas on the back of the neck and behind the ears. This is a microscopic picture of the head louse.
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Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis):
A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

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Picture of Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis): Numerous tiny, white lice eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft are seen in this person with head lice. Divider line
Numerous tiny, white lice eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft are seen in this person with head lice.
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Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for head lice infestations include:
  • Scalp, especially the hairline near the neck
  • Behind the ears
  • Neck
Moving lice or non-moving nits may be seen on the scalp and hair. Each louse is approximately 1–2 mm long and is white-gray in color. The white nits are smaller (0.5 mm), are firmly attached to the hair shaft, and are usually located very close to the scalp. In longer-standing infestations, the nits may be farther away from the scalp. In addition, small red bumps may be seen on the scalp, neck, and shoulders. If scratched aggressively, these bumps may become scabbed.

Occasionally, the lymph nodes behind the ears or in the neck may be swollen. 

Head lice infestations are quite itchy.
Last Modified: 4 Mar 2008

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