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Conditions
Pediculosis
Head lice

Head lice

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A condition in which hair gets infested with tiny parasites that feed on blood from the human scalp.

Dr. Geoffrey Rutledge reviewed this

39 year experience in Internal Medicine

Is a type of:

Scalp conditions • Parasitic skin diseases • Pediculosis

How long it usually lasts:

Short-term (lasts days to weeks)

How common it is:

Common
Baby
0-2
Rare
Preteen
6-13
Very common
Teenager
14-18
Very common
Young adult
19-40
Very common
Middle-aged adult
41-60
Very common

Body locations

Skin, Head

Symptoms

Skin irritation
Itchy rash
Skin rash from scratching
Swollen glands
Skin redness or irritation
Load more

Medications

Ratings show how effective doctors think these medications are at treating Head lice
Permethrin
4.2
10 reviews
Ivermectin
4
60 reviews
Pyrethins and piperonyl butoxide
3.7
45 reviews
Lindane
3.7
60 reviews
Malathion
3.7
62 reviews
Load more

Other treatments

Supportive care

Risk factors

Personal

Poor hygiene

Related questions

A 35-year old asked:

How to remove head lice?

5 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

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Headphones and head lice?

2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

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Where do head lice come from?

4 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

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Can head lice really be harmless?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

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How to remove head lice naturally?

2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

A 21-year old asked:

How common is head lice in the us?

2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

A 33-year old asked:

How do I know if I have head lice?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 32-year old male asked:

What are the symptoms of Head lice?

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

A member asked:

Can you get head lice from animals?

3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

A 33-year old asked:

How is head lice formed on your head?

2 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in

A 42-year old asked:

How to remove head lice fast and easy?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 43-year old asked:

What are the symptoms of head lice like?

2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

A 31-year old asked:

Do head lice leave any visible droppings?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 44-year old asked:

My child has head lice. What should I do?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 42-year old asked:

Are there any home remedies for head lice?

3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

A 18-year old male asked:

What to do if you think you have head lice?

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

A 26-year old asked:

What's a fast way to take care of head lice?

2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

A 37-year old asked:

How can you treat very persistent head lice?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 35-year old asked:

Could children get head lice from farm animals?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 43-year old asked:

Can you tell me about head lice. Please help !?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 21-year old asked:

Can you catch head lice in a pool, pond or lake?

3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

A 40-year old asked:

How can I tell if I have head lice are all killed?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 38-year old asked:

Please explain why don't head lice spread diseases?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 29-year old male asked:

What is the definition or description of: head lice?

1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

A 32-year old male asked:

What are some of the risk factors for getting Head lice?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 29-year old asked:

How do you handle it when your boyfriend gets head lice?

1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

A 36-year old asked:

How does head lice get transferred from person to person?

3 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

A 35-year old asked:

What do you suggest if my child has head lice please help?

1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in

A 18-year old female asked:

How do you know if you have crabs. Do they look like head lice?

4 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

A 40-year old asked:

What's a fast way to take care of head lice with just home supplies?

3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in

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