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Lice Symptoms

Lice are small, parasitic insects that feed on human blood and are usually transmitted through human-to-human contact. Three kinds of lice can cause symptoms; head lice, body lice and pubic lice.

  1. Adult Lice and Nits

    • Check for lice on your body, in your hair and in the folds of your clothes. Also check for lice eggs, called nits. Nits attach to your hair shafts and can be mistaken for dandruff.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other symptoms of lice can include severe itching, rash and the feeling of something moving through your hair. Lice are the most active at night and may make it difficult to sleep.

    Disease

    • Lice infections can cause disease. Body lice may transmit trench fever, louse-borne relapsing fever and epidemic typhus; epidemic typhus is no longer widespread but may still occur in certain unsanitary conditions.

    Infection

    • Intense itching can create sores that may become infected with bacteria or fungi.

    Treatment

    • Use over-the-counter or prescribed shampoos if you experience any lice symptoms. Remove all nits from personal items and try to avoid contact with other sources of lice.

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