Head Lice

Head lice, also known as nits, are tiny insects that live on the human scalp using blood as their nourishment. They lay eggs in the hair shaft which can often be mistaken as dandruff, however, it cannot be brushed out. The most common symptom of head lice is an itchy head which occurs when the lice bite the scalp.

Head lice is a common childhood complaint as children are often in close contact with each other, allowing the insects to crawl from head to head. However, adults are also vulnerable to head lice.

The City of Greater Dandenong does not offer head lice checks in schools.

Treating head lice involves removing lice and eggs from the hair. There are two ways you can do this:

1. Buying and using a head lice lotion or shampoo, following the instructions on the product
2. Using the condition and comb method every second day until there have been no live lice found for ten days