Note Pregnant women, people with sensitive skin, and parents with children less than 12 months old should consult a doctor before using pediculicides . Preventive Measures Exclude infested children until treated. Educate children, child care workers and parents about headlice and the importance of regular inspection of heads, and discourage sharing of personal items such as combs and hats. Promote grooming and general hygiene. Educate the public.
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood.
Head lice remain close to the scalp and move quickly when disturbed. Young lice usually hatch from the eggs within seven to 10 days and leave a pearly white empty case behind still cemented to the hair. Once hatched, the lice are capable of laying eggs within 10 days. Large numbers of nits resemble dandruff, except that nits cannot be brushed out. Head lice outbreaks are common among children in schools and child care facilities because children have close head contact with one another throughout the day in classroom and playgrounds.