LICE

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Female Head Louse

Main Symptoms

Itching of the scalp is the main symptom.
Nits (white eggs) firmly attached to hair shafts near the skin. Unlike dandruff or sand, nits can't be shaken off the hair shafts.
Gray bugs (lice) are 1/16-inch long, move quickly, and are difficult to see.
A scalp rash may be present. The back of the neck is the favorite area.
The nits are easier to see than the lice because they are white and very numerous.
The nits (eggs) hatch into lice in about 1 week.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

It doesn't look like lice, see INSECT BITE or RASH, LOCALIZED AND CAUSE UNKNOWN.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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