The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is an obligate ectoparasite of humans. [1] Head lice are wingless insects that spend their entire lives on the human scalp and feed exclusively on human blood. [1] Humans are the only known hosts of this specific parasite, while chimpanzees and bonobos host a closely related species, Pediculus schaeffi.

Apr 30, 2022 · Head lice are tiny insects that feed on blood from the human scalp. Head lice most often affect children. The insects usually spread through direct transfer from the hair of one person to the hair of another.

Jun 4, 2024 · Head lice, or Pediculus humanus capitis, are parasitic insects that feed on human blood. You can find them mostly on your head, but also on your eyebrows and eyelashes. Adult head lice are roughly 2 – 3 mm long (about the size of a sesame seed).

Head lice are tiny, crawling insects that live in the hair on your head. The most common symptom is itching, especially in the back of your head and neck and near your ears. Special medicated shampoos that contain a substance called pyrethrins are available to kill lice. Locate head lice by running a fine-toothed comb through your hair.

Feb 22, 2024 · Read about head lice (pediculosis) infection symptoms, signs, prevention, and treatment, and learn what head lice (and nits) look like. Find out how to get rid of lice in your home.

Jun 30, 2022 · Head lice feed on blood from the scalp. The female louse lays eggs (nits) that stick to hair shafts. Common signs and symptoms of lice include: Intense itching on the scalp, body or in the genital area. A tickling feeling from movement of hair. The presence of lice on your scalp, body, clothing, or pubic or other body hair.

Sep 11, 2019 · Head lice are small, wingless, blood-sucking insects. They live in the hair on your head and feed off the blood from your scalp. A louse (a single adult) is about the size of a sesame seed.

Nov 12, 2024 · You can treat head lice with medications (pediculicides) that are either over-the-counter or by prescription. Some medicines kill lice and eggs; retreatment is usually not required for these. Other medicines kill lice but are not effective at …

Head lice infestation, also known as pediculosis capitis, is the infection of the head hair and scalp by the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis). [6] Itching from lice bites is common. [5] During a person's first infection, the itch may not develop for up to six weeks. [5] If a person is infected again, symptoms may begin much more quickly. [5]

Pediculosis is infestation with the human head-and-body louse, Pediculus humanus. There are two subspecies, the head louse (P. h. capitis) and the body louse (P. h. humanus). They are ectoparasites whose only known hosts are humans.