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Head Lice

Picture of head lice

Illustration copyright 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Adult head lice are approximately the size of a sesame seed [2.5 mm (0.1 in.) to 3.5 mm (0.14 in.)] and can vary in color from white to brown to dark gray.

Louse eggs (nits) are much smaller [1 mm (0.03 in.)] and look like light gray or brown oval cylinders glued to individual hair shafts.

Head lice spread easily from one person to another through close bodily contact or through shared clothing or personal items such as hats or hair brushes.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised November 23, 2010

Last Revised: November 23, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics

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