Head lice and nits
উকুন ও উকুনের ডিম
Head lice are tiny insects that live in the hair, and nits are the small, empty egg cases left stuck to the hair once the lice have hatched from them.
They're very common, especially among schoolchildren between 4 and 11 years old, so if your child brings them home, you're far from alone.
The good news is that head lice don't cause any real harm. Left untreated, though, they can stay in the hair for quite a while, and dealing with them can be an itchy, frustrating hassle.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Your pharmacist can advise you about treatments for head lice and nits if you aren't sure which one is best for you or your child. Make sure you follow the instructions that come with the treatment you choose carefully.
How head lice are spread
Head lice spread through direct head to head contact. They climb from one person's hair to another's.
Head lice:
- can't fly, jump or swim
- are very unlikely to spread through objects like hats, combs and pillows
- don't prefer dirty, clean, short or long hair
- only affect people
- can't be caught from animals
Once they come off the hair, head lice will usually die within 12 to 24 hours.
Prevention
It's very hard to stop head lice before they arrive. If you're worried about your children or about yourself, you could check hair with a fine-toothed detection comb on a regular basis, for example once a week.
Lotions and sprays won't prevent head lice. Use them only if you have found a live louse in your own hair or your child's.
Keeping children off school or work, or washing clothes and bedding on a hot wash, isn't necessary. It's unlikely to help stop head lice from spreading.