Watch: What Are Head Lice?
What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny external parasites that live close to the human scalp. They survive by feeding on small amounts of blood and can cause itching, scalp irritation, and a lot of stress for families.
The good news: head lice are usually a nuisance, not a serious health risk. The hard part is that lice and nits can be difficult to see and even harder to remove without the right combing technique.
Simple explanation for parents
If you are seeing scratching, small bugs, or tiny eggs attached to the hair shaft, it is time to check carefully and act early. The sooner lice are identified, the easier the removal process usually is.
Common signs of head lice
- Itching or a tickling feeling on the scalp
- Small sesame-seed-sized bugs near the scalp
- Tiny oval eggs, called nits, attached to the hair shaft
- Irritation around the ears, neckline, or crown
- Restless sleep because lice are more active in the dark
Why professional lice removal helps
Quick questions about head lice
Do head lice jump or fly?
No. Head lice crawl. They usually spread through direct head-to-head contact.
Are head lice caused by poor hygiene?
No. Head lice are not a sign that a person or home is dirty. Anyone with hair can get lice.
Do pets spread head lice?
No. Dogs, cats, and household pets do not spread human head lice.
Need help with lice today?
The Louse Girl provides discreet, in-home lice checks, nit removal, pesticide-free treatment support, school checks, and lice prevention products for families across Metro Atlanta.
This article is for general education and service guidance. For medical concerns, allergic reactions, severe scalp irritation, open sores, or treatment questions for very young children, pregnancy, or sensitive skin, contact a qualified healthcare provider.
