Head lice are tiny insects that lay their eggs on hairs next to the scalp. They are very common among school age children and cause no symptoms, other than itching, so you will need to check the hair to see if lice or nits are present.

If your children have head lice, it does not mean that they are dirty. Head lice are easy to catch and most families have them at least once. They are usually easy to treat and are harmless.

The SA Department of Health recommends a combination of using a comb and conditioner to remove lice and nits combined with a chemical treatment. For more information on chemicals and treatments, see the links listed below.

What are headlice?

• headlice
• headlice
• headlice - all about them
• headlice - what are they
• photo of a headlouse and nit (egg)

Headlice - treatment and control

• headlice - treating them
• headlice - prevention and treatment
• healthy heads without headlice
• treatment and control
• wet combing or chemical treatment