Lice Facts, Prevention and Symptoms

Head Lice Facts Every Parent Should Know

If you have school-aged children, head lice are a fact of life. Here’s what matters most:

  • Extremely common
    An estimated 6 to 12 million cases occur annually in children ages 3–11. The true number is even higher when you include affected teens and adults in families, schools, and camps.
  • Spread is mostly head-to-head
    Lice crawl from one scalp to another during close contact.
  • Cleanliness has nothing to do with it
    Anyone can get lice.
  • Sharing personal items increases risk
    Hats, combs, brushes, helmets, and hair accessories can transfer lice easily. Avoid sharing these items, especially during outbreaks.
  • Lice can strike year-round
    While outbreaks often peak in Spring and Fall

Lice Prevention Tips

  • Teach your children what lice are and how they spread so they understand how to protect themselves.
  • Do routine head checks on your kids, especially after sleepovers, camps, or outbreaks at school.
  • Limit direct head-to-head contact during sports, playtime, selfies, or group activities.
  • Avoid sharing anything that touches the head — combs, brushes, hats, scarves, helmets, hair ties, headbands, and similar items.
  • Stay off furniture, pillows, or sleeping bags used by someone who currently has lice.
  • Keep long hair secured tightly in a bun, ponytail, or braids to reduce the chance of contact.

Symptoms and Signs of a Lice Infestation

Early or mild cases can be very easy to overlook, so the scalp and hair need to be examined slowly and carefully.

Symptoms

  • More frequent itching or a tickling sensation on the scalp or in the hair.
  • Red, irritated areas on the scalp, especially behind the ears and along the neckline.
  • Difficulty sleeping, as lice tend to be more active in the dark and can cause restlessness.
  • Visible lice or nits (eggs) attached firmly to the hair shaft.
  • Live lice may be hard to spot, particularly in light infestations because they move quickly and hide beneath the hair.