Head Lice in Children: How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat It Effectively

Let’s be honest—just reading the word “lice” might make your skin crawl. Unfortunately, these pesky little bugs affect millions of American families every year.

During summer break, lice may not be top of mind. But as soon as school starts back, the risk increases. Why? Because kids are in close contact with one another, often sharing hats, brushes, or other personal items that can carry lice from one scalp to another.

“Head lice spread mostly through head-to-head contact,” says Michael Abdelmisseh, MD, pediatrician with West Tennessee Medical Group. “They don’t jump or fly, but they can also spread through personal items that come into contact with the head.”

So how can you protect your child? And what should you do if lice make an appearance? Let’s break it down.

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice, or Pediculus humanus capitis, are tiny parasitic insects that live on the human scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. They feed on human blood and cause intense itching. The good news? Lice are annoying, but they don’t spread disease.

Lice go through three stages:

• Nits (eggs): Tiny, oval-shaped, and laid at the base of the hair shaft.
• Nymphs: Immature lice that hatch from nits and mature in about 9–12 days.
• Adult lice: About the size of a sesame seed and capable of laying new eggs.

How Lice Spread

Lice are incredibly common among kids, especially those ages 3 to 11. The CDC estimates that 6 to 12 million lice infestations occur each year in the U.S. in this age group.

Children are more likely to:

• Play closely with friends (head-to-head contact)
• Share personal items like brushes, hats, or helmets

Important note: Lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. They can affect anyone.

How to Prevent Head Lice

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent lice, but you can teach your child good habits:

• Avoid head-to-head contact during play.
• Don’t share personal items that touch the head (combs, hats, hair accessories, towels, earbuds, etc.).
• Label your child’s belongings to avoid mix-ups.
• Keep long hair tied back in a ponytail, braid, or bun.

What to Do If Your Child Gets Lice

Even with precautions, lice can still happen. If there’s an outbreak at school, check your child’s scalp carefully.

How to Check for Lice:

• Wet your child’s hair.
• Sit under bright light.
• Use a fine-toothed comb to section hair and look at the scalp closely, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.

If you find nits or lice:

• Call your pediatrician for treatment recommendations.
• Use topical medications—some available over the counter, others by prescription.

Even if only one child is affected, check the entire household. Sanitize brushes, pillows, bed linens, clothing, stuffed animals, and anything that may have come into contact with lice.

When to Call a Provider

If you’re unsure about symptoms or how to treat lice effectively, your pediatrician can help.

Looking for a trusted provider? Schedule online with Dr. Michael Abdelmisseh or another pediatrician at West Tennessee Medical Group.

Updated: July 16, 2025