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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Who's At Risk
Head lice occurs in people of all ages, of all races, and of both sexes. Children aged 3–10 are most likely to become infested. In the United States, blacks are less commonly affected because the shape of the louse claw is better suited to grabbing onto the hairs of white or Asian peoples. In addition, girls are more likely to have head lice than are boys.
Last Modified: 4 Mar 2008

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