Marquette University Medical Clinic
414-288-7184
545 N. 15th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Head Lice
Lice are tiny insects that can be found on various parts of the body, including the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. These
insects live on humans and feed on their blood. Lice that live close to the scalp are known as head lice.
Head lice are found most often on the back of the neck and behind the ears.
Although lice can’t jump or fly, they can spread very easily from person to person through head-to-head contact or
through shared clothing or personal items (such as a hat, towel, or hairbrush). Contrary to popular myth, personal hygiene
has nothing to do with getting head lice.
Symptoms of Head Lice

The most common symptom associated with head lice is itching.

Typically at the back of the head and around the ears

Severe scratching may result in secondary bacterial infection in these areas.
What to do if:
I think I have lice or I have been exposed to someone who has lice…
HAVE A FRIEND DO A HEAD CHECK!



Make sure that there is adequate lighting when checking for head lice. A well-lit room or flashlight and a magnifying
glass will help you spot any eggs or lice.
Begin at the bottom part of the neck and behind the ears and work your way up. Nits and lice can be found anywhere
on the head but they prefer warmer places to hide. Thus, the lower hairline is the right place to start.
After checking the first section, divide the hair into halves and inspect each section for eggs and lice. Repeat the
process throughout the entire head, paying particular attention to warmer spots.
What to do if you have Lice…. It is time for treatment
There are several medicated shampoos commonly used to treat head lice.
(Nix brand) – Over the Counter

Shampoos or creme rinses that contain 1% permethrin have the fastest killing time against adult lice and the highest
nit-killing capability. Permethrin has a residual effect that will continue to kill nits for several days after the first
application. While one application should be sufficient to kill lice and nits, some experts suggest a second treatment
one week after the first.
**Do not use if you have an allergy to ragweed or chrysanthemums**
(Rid brand) – Over the counter

Shampoos that contain pyrethrin kill lice quickly but do not leave a residual that will continue to kill nits, resulting in
a less effective treatment. Two applications of these types of shampoo 7-10 days apart are recommended to kill nits.

**Do not use if you have an allergy to ragweed or chrysanthemums**
Manual removal of nits with a nit comb, fingernails, or by cutting strands of hair that contain nits is essential following
treatment with pediculocides or alternate treatments. To aid in the removal of nits, hair can be soaked in a 3% to 5% white
vinegar solution followed by application of a damp towel soaked in the same solution for 30-60 minutes before attempting
nit removal.
Tips to Keep Lice from Spreading:

Tip #1: Avoid head-to-head contact. The easiest way for lice to spread from one person to another is through direct
contact.

Tip #2: Don’t share clothing or personal items. Do not share personal belongings such as hats, scarves, hair ribbons,
combs, brushes, towels, or other items that may have come into contact with their hair.

Tip #3: Clean to control the spread. Items that have come into contact with a person infested with head lice should be
machine washed in hot water (130° F) and dried in the dryer on a high heat setting. Such items include clothing, bed
linens, and stuffed animals. Items that cannot be washed can be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2
weeks. Combs and brushes that have been used by an infested person should be soaked in hot water for 5-10 minutes.
Marquette University Medical Clinic
414-288-7184
545 N. 15th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233