Head lice are tiny insects which live and breed in human hair.
Lice tend to prefer clean hair to dirty hair, so an infestation does not indicate poor personal hygiene.
Lice cannot jump or fly - they are transmitted by direct head to head contact or by infected items such as combs, brushes, hats etc.
Treat quickly to prevent the lice spreading to family and friends.
All articles which may harbour lice or their eggs (nits) such as clothes, towels, bed linen, combs and brushes should be washed at the time of treatment to avoid reinfestation.
The information in CyberChemist has been prepared by New Zealand
health professionals for New Zealand residents and is of a general
nature only. It is NOT intended as a substitute for professional
health advice for persistent or serious health problems. If in doubt
please see your doctor. Disclaimer and Copyright
