Numerous tiny, white lice eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft are seen in this person with head lice. Lice (pediculosis capitis) can cause intense itching, which can result in scratching and areas of bloody skin crusts, as seen in this image. This image displays lice eggs, which are visible and persist even after lice are eliminated, unless removed. Very rarely, the head louse may also lay eggs (nits) on the eyelashes. (See the tiny white spots on the upper eyelashes.) Children with head lice often have multiple scratched areas on the back of the neck and behind the ears. This is a microscopic picture of the head louse.
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Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis)  A parent's guide to condition and treatment information

Picture of Head Lice (Pediculosis Capitis): Numerous tiny, white lice eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft are seen in this person with head lice. Divider line
Numerous tiny, white lice eggs (nits) glued to the hair shaft are seen in this person with head lice.
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References


Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1324-1326. New York: Mosby, 2003.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Head Lice. http://www.cdc.gov/lice/head/index.html. Modified May 16, 2008. Accessed online March 9, 2009.

Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed. pp.2286-2288. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.

Stone SP, Goldfarb JN, Bacelieri RE. Scabies, other mites, and Pediculosis. Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, Katz SI, Gilchrest BA, Paller AS, Leffell DJ, eds. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2008:2029-2037.

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MedlinePlus: Head Lice

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Last Modified: 17 Apr 2009
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