What is pediculosis (head lice)?
Pediculosis is an infestation of head lice on the hair of the head. The lice feed on human blood which can cause severe local itching. Who gets pediculosis? Anyone may become infested with head lice, regardless of age, sex, race, or standards of personal hygiene. Head lice are frequently found in schools and day care centers, and are easily spread from person-to-person. How are head lice spread? Head lice are spread through direct head-to-head contact with an infested person or indirect contact with lice-carrying objects such as combs, brushes, hats or scarves. Since nits (louse eggs) must be laid by adult lice, the chances of nits being spread from person-to-person are minimal. Do animals spread head lice? No. Lice from animals do not infest humans. What are the symptoms of pediculosis? The first indication of an infestation is usually itching at the back of the head and around the ears. Itching in these areas should lead to an examination of the scalp for louse nits (eggs). Severe sc
