Head Lice:

Alternative names:

lice - head; nits; pediculosis; pediculosis capitis

Prevention:

Effective treatment of infected persons and bed clothing will prevent head lice from spreading to others. Most schools have a policy of sending infected children home until the head lice are treated. However, this is often not effective in preventing continued spread of the infestation.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial