They can spread relatively quickly, however, from head to head, usually through the sort of close personal contact that goes on in schools. Lice are also spread through the sharing of personal articles such as hats and other head gear, hair brushes, scarves, ribbons, and so on. You should discourage your children from using or borrowing any personal items like these from their friends. The most common symptom of head lice is constant itching of the scalp. This may be accompanied by scratch marks or small red lesions resembling a rash.
Live nits can be difficult to spot because they are tan-coloured and blend in with the hair.
Dead nits are silvery-coloured and easier to see. They are very small, about one-third the size of a sesame seed. They are most commonly found behind the ears and at the back of the neck. If you do find nits, then lice are sure to be there as well. If one person in the family has head lice, there is an increased chance that other family members may also be infested.