At a glance
- Head lice spread mainly through head-to-head contact and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Finding a live crawling louse is the best evidence of active infestation; dandruff or old nits alone can be misleading.
- Use an age-appropriate product exactly as directed and comb as advised. Repeat treatment depends on the product, not a universal date. Check household contacts. Do not use insecticide foggers, kerosene or extra doses. Children need not be sent home early solely for lice.
- Ask a clinician before treating a very young child, if the diagnosis is uncertain or if live lice remain after correctly completed treatment. Painful, spreading scalp redness, pus or fever needs medical advice.
- Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- This guide organizes warning signs; it cannot rule out illness. Follow the child’s clinician and local guidance.
What this can mean
Head lice spread mainly through head-to-head contact and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Finding a live crawling louse is the best evidence of active infestation; dandruff or old nits alone can be misleading.
Practical next steps
Use an age-appropriate product exactly as directed and comb as advised. Repeat treatment depends on the product, not a universal date. Check household contacts. Do not use insecticide foggers, kerosene or extra doses. Children need not be sent home early solely for lice.
Notice, act, reassess
- Live lice found, product used, treatment date and label-directed repeat date
- Use an age-appropriate product exactly as directed and comb as advised. Repeat treatment depends on the product, not a universal date. Check household contacts. Do not use insecticide foggers, kerosene or extra doses. Children need not be sent home early solely for lice.
- Ask a clinician before treating a very young child, if the diagnosis is uncertain or if live lice remain after correctly completed treatment. Painful, spreading scalp redness, pus or fever needs medical advice.
When to seek help
Ask a clinician before treating a very young child, if the diagnosis is uncertain or if live lice remain after correctly completed treatment. Painful, spreading scalp redness, pus or fever needs medical advice.
Call local emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue/gray lips, collapse, a seizure with failure to recover, or a child who is very difficult to wake. Do not delay to complete this tool.
A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher needs urgent medical assessment, even if they look well. Do not delay assessment to try medicine or complete a diary.
Prepare for the visit
Note the pattern below and bring your questions and current medicines to the visit. This record does not diagnose or choose treatment.
- Live lice found, product used, treatment date and label-directed repeat date
Common questions
What does this pattern mean?
Head lice spread mainly through head-to-head contact and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Finding a live crawling louse is the best evidence of active infestation; dandruff or old nits alone can be misleading.
What can families do next?
Use an age-appropriate product exactly as directed and comb as advised. Repeat treatment depends on the product, not a universal date. Check household contacts. Do not use insecticide foggers, kerosene or extra doses. Children need not be sent home early solely for lice.
When should we seek medical help?
Ask a clinician before treating a very young child, if the diagnosis is uncertain or if live lice remain after correctly completed treatment. Painful, spreading scalp redness, pus or fever needs medical advice.
What should I write down?
Live lice found, product used, treatment date and label-directed repeat date
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.