Head Lice Information

Head Lice Information for Parents

The facts about head lice

• Head lice are small insects [about the size of a sesame seed when fullt grown] that live very close to the scalp
• Nits are not the same as lice. Nits are empty egg cases which stick to the hair
• You only have head lice if you find a living moving louse [not a nit]
• Anybody can get head lice - adults and children
• Head lice don't care if the hair is dirty or clean, short or long
• A lot of infections are caught from close family and freinds in the home and community, not at school
• Head lice can walk from  one head to another, if the heads are pressed together for some time. they do not fly, jump or swim.
• Regular hair care may help to spot lice early
• The best way to stop infection is for families to check their heads regularly using detection combs