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Symptom Checker

Head Lice in Children

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. They can cause itching, scalp irritation and visible eggs attached to hair shafts.

Head lice spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact. Sharing combs, hats, bedding or other items that touch the hair can spread lice less commonly.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Head Lice in Children

The AAP guide below explains how to check for lice, how to treat them and what to expect with school or daycare.

AAP Symptom CheckerHead lice

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerHead lice New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • You are unsure whether your child has lice.
  • Treatment has failed more than once despite correct use.
  • The scalp becomes very red, painful or infected from scratching.
  • Your child cannot safely use standard lice treatments.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child has any life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on bites and stings

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms