How to Identify Lice

Lice are tiny insects that can be found on various parts of the body, including the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes.

These insects live on humans and feed on their blood. Lice that live close to the scalp are known as head lice.

Head lice are found most often on the back of the neck and behind the ears. Although lice can’t jump or fly, they can spread very easily from person to person through head-to-head contact or though shared clothing or personal items (such as a hat, towel, or hairbrush). Contrary to popular myth, personal hygiene has nothing to do with getting head lice.

Although the thought of having a child with head lice can leave you feeling anxious, know that head lice are both extremely common and very easy to treat. Head lice are found worldwide, predominantly in preschool and elementary school-age children. An estimated 6 to 12 million infestations of lice occur each year in the United States alone.

How To Identify Lice