NHS information · Head

Worried about head lice and nits?

Get a structured summary of relevant NHS information in about 60 seconds. Know what it might be, when to see a GP, and what you can do at home.

  • Describe your specific head lice and nits symptoms
  • See related NHS information and possible causes
  • Get urgency guidance based on NHS resources
Check my symptoms
Based on NHS resources·Free·No signup required·~60 seconds

This page summarises publicly available NHS information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

What is head lice and nits?

Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair and feed on the scalp. Nits are the empty egg cases left behind — they look like tiny white specks attached to hair. They're very common in children and spread through close head-to-head contact. Head lice don't cause illness and aren't related to hygiene — they just need treatment with wet combing or medicated lotions from a pharmacy.

When NHS resources suggest seeing a GP

  • Head lice keep coming back despite treatment.
  • The scalp is red, sore, or infected-looking.
  • A baby under 6 months has head lice.
  • Treatment from a pharmacy hasn't worked after 2 courses.
  • You're unsure whether what you see is lice, dandruff, or another scalp condition.
Not sure which category you're in?
Describe your specific situation for tailored NHS information.
Check my symptoms →

Self-care information from NHS

  • Wet combing with conditioner and a fine-toothed nit comb — do this every 4 days for 2 weeks.
  • Use medicated lotions or sprays from a pharmacy as an alternative (dimeticone or malathion-based).
  • Check everyone in the household on the same day and treat anyone with live lice.
  • Wash bedding and recently-used hair items (brushes, hats) at 60°C or seal in a bag for 2 weeks.
  • There's no need to keep children off school — head lice don't spread through surfaces much.
  • Tie long hair back to reduce spread.

Common questions

How do I know if I have head lice?

The only sure way is to find a live louse. Wet the hair, apply lots of conditioner, and comb section by section with a fine-toothed nit comb. Wipe the comb on a tissue after each stroke. Nits (egg cases) alone don't prove active lice.

Do head lice mean poor hygiene?

No — head lice have nothing to do with cleanliness. They can affect anyone and prefer clean hair if anything. They spread through direct head-to-head contact, most often in schools and nurseries.

How long does head lice treatment take to work?

Wet combing needs to be done every 4 days for at least 2 weeks. Medicated lotions usually require a second application 7 days later to kill newly hatched lice. Check for live lice a few days after completing treatment.

Get personalised NHS information

Describe your specific situation and receive a structured summary of relevant NHS information, tailored to your age, gender, and symptoms.

Check my symptoms

Free · ~60 seconds · Not medical advice

Related head topics

Headache
common types, when to see a GP, and self-care steps. Free reference from NorMed.
Headache at Night
Why do you get headaches at night? NHS-based information about nighttime headaches, common causes, and when to seek help.
Dizziness
what causes it, when it's serious, and practical self-care steps.
Sore Throat
causes, home remedies, when to see a GP, and when antibiotics might help.
Fatigue and Tiredness
why you feel tired all the time, possible causes, and when to see a GP.
Migraine
symptoms, triggers, treatment options, and when to see a GP.
Earache
common causes, home remedies, when to see a GP, and ear infection signs.
Feeling Faint or Lightheaded
common causes, when it's serious, and what to do.
Browse all NHS conditions
105+ conditions organised by body area
View A-Z →

This page is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about your individual situation. NorMed organises publicly available NHS information and is not affiliated with the NHS.