HEAD LICE Head lice live on the skin among the hairs on people's head.
Head lice have little real medical impact.
Their feeding activity irritates the scalp, causing intense itching. They are not known to transmit any disease organisms, but a secondary infection may result if the skin is broken by repeatedly scratching the area. Children who become infested in school will carry lice home and may infest family members who unknowingly become a source for recurring louse problems in the home. Solving head lice problems is not difficult if everyone cooperates. Parents should notify the school principal or nurse immediately if their child is identified as having head lice.