Head lice are tiny, light brown insects that have claws at the end of their legs.
They bite the scalp and lay their eggs, called nits, in the hair. Anyone can get lice even with good health habits and frequent hair washing. Lice can spread quickly by close contact with someone who has lice or by sharing hats, scarves, combs, brushes, towels or bedding with an infected person. Outbreaks of head lice sometimes occur in schools and day care centers. You may notice that the scalp itches and has a rash.