Head Lice: Identification, Treatment, and When to Seek Help

An independent educational resource prepared by Mark M. Simonian, MD, FAAP

Sources checked: August 8, 2026     |     Medical review completed: August 8, 2026

This page is for general education only and does not replace individualized medical advice. This resource does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. For questions about your own child, contact your child's current healthcare professional.

Magnolia Pediatrics, Valley Children's Healthcare

2497 E. Herndon Avenue, Suite 101, Clovis, CA 93611     |     559-538-3070

Head lice are common, do not spread disease, and are not caused by poor hygiene. Effective treatment begins with confirming live, crawling lice and following safe product directions.

Urgent Warning Signs - Check This First

Head lice are not an emergency. Seek care sooner for scalp infection, a very young infant, or a reaction to a treatment product.

CALL 911 NOW

  • A severe allergic reaction to a product with trouble breathing or swallowing, face or tongue swelling, collapse, or blue or gray color

CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TODAY

  • An infant younger than 2 months has possible lice

  • The scalp has pus, spreading sores, warmth, marked swelling, or fever

  • You are uncertain whether lice are present, live lice continue after correct treatment, or the scalp remains very itchy or irritated after treatment

Confirm Before Treating

  • Look for live crawling lice, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck. Nits are eggs attached firmly to hair near the scalp

  • Dandruff, hair-product residue, and old empty egg shells can be mistaken for nits

  • If you are unsure, ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist before applying treatment

Safe Treatment Principles

  • Use an age-appropriate lice medicine only as directed on the label or by the clinician. An adult should apply and rinse it

  • Do not leave a child alone with product in the hair, do not cover the head with plastic, and store medicine locked away

  • Do not use gasoline, kerosene, animal products, essential oils, mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, or fumigant sprays

  • Check close household contacts. Treat people with active infestation and people who share a bed, according to professional guidance

School and Home

  • A child with lice does not need to leave school early. After beginning appropriate treatment at home, the child may return to school

  • No-nit exclusion policies are not recommended; nits can remain in hair after successful treatment

  • Avoid head-to-head contact and sharing hats, brushes, combs, hair accessories, helmets, towels, or bedding

  • Wash recently used bedding, clothing, and hair items as directed; extensive housecleaning is not necessary

Related Guides

  • Scalp Problems and Hair Loss: When to Seek Care

  • Rashes and Skin: When to Seek Care

  • Insect Bites and Stings: When to Seek Care

Sources and Medical Review

  • CDC, Providing Care for Individuals with Head Lice https://www.cdc.gov/lice/caring-head/index.html

  • CDC, Treatment of Head Lice https://www.cdc.gov/lice/treatment/index.html

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/Signs-of-Lice.aspx

  • HealthyChildren.org (AAP), Head Lice Treatment Myths and Realities https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/Head-Lice-Treatment-Myths-Realities.aspx