Lice, head

The condition of being infested with lice is called pediculosis. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are parasitic insects found on the heads of people. Anyone can get head lice who comes in close contact with someone who already has head lice, contaminated clothing, and other belongings. Preschool and elementary-age children and their families are infested most often. Girls get head lice more often than boys, women more than men. African-Americans rarely get head lice. Head lice are most commonly found on the scalp behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck. Head lice hold on to hair with hook-like claws found at the end of each of their six legs. Head lice are rarely found on the body, eyelashes, or eyebrows. The signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, itching (caused by the an allergic reaction to the bites), irritability, and sores on the head (caused by scratching).