Head lice are parasites which experts estimate affects one in every ten children.
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The most susceptible kids are between the ages of 3 and 12, with girls more likely to get infected than boys. This is probably because young girls often share hair accessories and touch each other’s hair. But lice is transmitted through any close contact.
When dealing with a potential head lice infestation, here’s what to look for. There are three stages. The first is the eggs, called nits. These are white or yellowish tiny ovals near the scalp. They look like dandruff, but do not shake off easily.
The lice eggs hatch in about a week. This is when the baby lice, called nymphs, begin biting your child’s head as they need blood to survive. In another week or so, they’ll grow into adult lice. They range in color from white to almost red and are about the size of a sesame seed.
Click here to read about head lice treatment options.
