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Headlice (scientific name Pediculus humanus capitis), are tiny, wingless parasites that thrive on the scalp of humans, most commonly at the back of the neck at the base of the skull, and behind the ears. The eggs are called nits and are the easiest way to identify a lice infestation. The nits appear to be white bits of dandruff, but upon further inspection, one can see the oval shape of the eggs and they are difficult to detach from the individual hair.

The nits hatch after about one week, and the baby lice are called nymphs. They are identical looking to the adults, only smaller. They are considered to be adults after approximately seven days. The adult louse has a 30-day lifespan, and feeds on blood. A louse has six legs, each with a hook-like claw at the end to attach themselves to their hosts' hair. Because of this firm attachment by the nits and adults to the host's hair, it can be difficult to treat a case of headlice.

Headlice infestation manifest itself through itching, particularly at the base of the skull, as well as tickling or crawling sensations at the scalp. Red sores may also appear on the scalp caused by intensive scratching. Though it is possible to see adult lice, they would typically flee to avoid detection, so a diagnosis is usually made based on observation of the aforementioned symptoms and the appearance of nits.

While headlice is thought of as being synonymous with poor hygiene, even the conscientiously clean can contract lice and nits. Regular soaps, shampoo, and detergent do little to stop these blood-suckers. The only sure way to kill lice is by pulling them off of the hair, a time-consuming and tedious process. There are special combs that can aid this process. Also, various medications may be used, either with or without a doctor's prescription.

Several different medications exist to kill head lice. Pyrethrins and permethrin are the active ingredients in over-the-counter shampoos used to combat moderate cases of head lice. More serious cases may warrant the use of malathion or lindane. These chemicals are only available with a doctor's prescription. In all cases, anyone with regular close contact with the infected person should also be treated. All bedding and clothes worn by infected people should be promptly washed to eliminate lice and eggs. Once treatment has run its course, the previously infected person should use a fine-toothed, nit-picking comb to remove the dead lice and nits from the scalp.

There are many home remedies for head lice, such as soaking one's head in various liquids (examples include mouthwash containing alcohol, vinegar, shampoo, and mayonnaise). All of these remedies have the common trait of claiming to smother the scalp and kill lice and nits by suffocation.

Headlice are small blood-sucking parasites that live on human scalps. The eggs take a week to hatch, and the lice live for a month after that. Lice attach themselves to hairs and are very hard to shake loose. Infestation results in intense itching along the scalp, the feeling of flesh crawling, and sore spots. Regular soaps, shampoo, and detergent are not effective lice treatment. There are several medicines, some requiring a doctor's prescription, used to remove lice along with a fine-toothed comb. Home remedies for head lice include smothering the lice and suffocating them.