How do lice eggs look on the head?

Understanding Lice and Their Life Cycle

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are wingless insects that live exclusively on the human scalp. Adults measure 2–4 mm in length, have a gray‑brown, flattened body, and six legs equipped with claws that grip hair shafts. They feed on blood several times a day, causing itching and irritation.

Reproduction occurs rapidly. A female lays 6–10 eggs (nits) per day for up to three weeks. Nits are oval, about 0.8 mm long, and adhere firmly to the base of hair strands near the scalp. Their shells are translucent to white, becoming more opaque as the embryo develops. The attachment point is a cement‑like substance that resists removal with ordinary combing.

Key characteristics of head lice infestations include:

Presence of live insects moving quickly across the scalp.
Clusters of firmly attached nits within ¼ inch of the hair root.
Irritated skin with visible bite marks or red papules.
Persistent itching, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity.

Effective control measures require:

Precise removal of nits using a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair.
Application of an approved pediculicide according to label directions.
Washing of bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks.
Re‑inspection of the scalp and repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.

Understanding the morphology of lice and the appearance of their eggs enables accurate identification and timely intervention, preventing the spread of infestation.

The Life Cycle of Head Lice

Egg Stage: Nits

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, are firmly attached to hair shafts close to the scalp. The female louse secures each egg with a cement-like substance that resists removal by combing or washing. Nits appear as tiny, oval structures measuring 0.8 mm in length and 0.3 mm in width.

Typical visual features include:

Color ranging from white or yellow‑white when freshly laid to darker brown as the embryo matures.
Semi‑transparent shell that reveals the developing nymph near the end of the incubation period.
Positioning at an angle of 30°–45° relative to the hair shaft, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp where temperature is optimal for development.
Absence of movement; the egg remains immobile until hatching, which occurs after 7–10 days under normal conditions.

Recognition of these characteristics aids in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, as any remaining nits after therapy can lead to re‑infestation. Removal techniques focus on loosening the cement and extracting the egg without damaging the hair shaft.

Nymph Stage

The nymph stage begins when an egg, commonly called a nit, hatches on the scalp. A newly emerged nymph measures about 1–2 mm, is translucent to pale gray, and lacks the pronounced brown coloration of adult lice. Its body is soft, and the head is proportionally larger than that of a mature insect. Immediately after hatching, the nymph clings to a hair shaft near the scalp, using its claws to maintain a secure grip.

During the first 24 hours, the nymph feeds on blood, which darkens its abdomen and accelerates growth. By day three, the exoskeleton hardens, and the insect adopts the characteristic oval shape of an adult. The nymph’s legs become more defined, and its movement is rapid, allowing it to navigate the hair shaft efficiently.

Key characteristics of the nymph stage:

Length: 1–2 mm (shorter than adult lice, which reach 2–3 mm).
Color: translucent to light gray, turning brown after blood ingestion.
Location: attached close to the scalp, often near the hair root.
Duration: approximately 7–10 days before molting into an adult.

Understanding these attributes helps differentiate nymphs from eggs and mature lice, facilitating accurate identification and effective treatment.

Adult Lice Stage

Adult head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are wing‑less insects measuring 2–3 mm in length. Their bodies are flattened laterally, allowing easy movement through hair shafts. The head is broader than the abdomen, giving a teardrop silhouette. Legs end in claw‑like tarsi that grip individual strands firmly; each leg bears three pairs of spines that aid in rapid crawling.

The exoskeleton is semi‑transparent, revealing a pale yellow to brownish hue depending on the blood meals taken. Eyes consist of simple ocelli that detect light, not detailed images. Antennae are short, segmented, and bear sensory receptors for temperature and carbon dioxide, guiding the insect toward a host’s scalp.

Reproduction occurs exclusively on the scalp. A mature female lays up to eight oval eggs (nits) per day, attaching them to the hair shaft near the scalp with a cement‑like secretions. Eggs remain firmly glued for 7–10 days before hatching into nymphs. The adult stage lasts about 30 days, during which a single louse may ingest up to five milliliters of blood.

Key identification points for the adult stage:

Size: 2–3 mm, visible to the naked eye.
Shape: flattened, teardrop‑shaped body.
Color: translucent to brown, depending on feeding status.
Legs: six, each ending in clawed tarsi with spines.
Mobility: rapid movement along hair shafts, capable of jumping short distances when disturbed.

Understanding these characteristics helps differentiate adult lice from their eggs and nymphal forms, facilitating accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Identifying Lice Eggs («Nits»)

Characteristics of Nits

Size and Shape

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, are tiny oval structures firmly attached to individual hair strands close to the scalp. Their dimensions range from 0.7 mm to 1.0 mm in length and about 0.4 mm in width, making them barely visible without magnification. The eggs exhibit a smooth, slightly flattened surface that tapers at one end where the operculum (the hatching cap) is located. Color varies with age: newly laid nits appear creamy or white, while older ones turn yellowish‑brown as they mature.

Length: 0.7–1.0 mm
Width: ≈0.4 mm
Shape: oval, slightly flattened, with a visible operculum at one pole
Attachment: glued to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp, often at the base of the hair

These measurements and morphological traits distinguish nits from dandruff or other debris, aiding accurate identification.

Color and Transparency

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, attach firmly to hair shafts close to the scalp. Their coloration ranges from pale yellow‑white when freshly laid to darker amber or brown as the embryo matures. The shift in hue reflects the development of the chorion and the accumulation of metabolic pigments.

Transparency varies with age. New nits are semi‑transparent, allowing the underlying hair to be seen through the shell. As the embryo grows, the shell becomes increasingly opaque, eventually obscuring the hair beneath. This progression aids identification during inspection.

Fresh nits: pale yellow, semi‑transparent, often mistaken for dandruff or hair debris.
Mid‑stage nits: amber to light brown, partially opaque, visible as tiny oval objects.
Mature nits: dark brown, fully opaque, firmly adhered near the scalp.

Recognizing these color and transparency changes improves accuracy in diagnosing head‑lice infestations.

Attachment to Hair Shafts

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, adhere directly to individual hair shafts using a proteinaceous cement secreted by the female louse. The cement hardens within minutes, forming a firm bond that resists routine combing and washing. Each nit is positioned at a shallow angle, usually 30‑45 degrees from the shaft, which maximizes surface contact and prevents easy displacement.

The attachment occurs primarily within two centimeters of the scalp, where temperature and humidity support embryonic development. Typical sites include the crown, nape of the neck, behind the ears, and the sideburn region. On darker hair, nits appear as oval, translucent to tan‑brown structures; on light hair they may be more noticeable as pale, semi‑transparent bodies.

Key characteristics of the attachment:

Cement composition: a water‑insoluble, glue‑like substance that remains intact after exposure to water and most shampoos.
Bond strength: sufficient to hold the egg in place for 7‑10 days until hatching.
Placement pattern: clusters of 3‑6 nits often found together, each anchored at a slightly different angle to avoid crowding.

Removal requires a fine‑toothed nit comb used on wet hair with a detangling conditioner, applied from the scalp outward. Repeated passes are necessary because the cement does not dissolve readily. Chemical treatments that claim to “kill” nits generally affect the embryo but do not weaken the adhesive bond, leaving the eggs attached until they naturally fall off after hatching.

Location on the Hair

Lice eggs, known as nits, attach firmly to the hair shaft by cementing themselves within a few millimeters of the scalp. The adhesive hardens quickly, making the eggs resistant to removal.

Typical sites on the head include:

The base of the hair near the crown, where the hair is thickest.
The area behind the ears, where hair lies close to the skin.
The nape of the neck, especially in children with short hair.
The sideburns and along the hairline, where hair bends against the skin.
Any region where hair is dense and the scalp is warm, providing optimal conditions for egg development.

Nits appear as tiny, oval objects measuring 0.5–1 mm. They are usually white or tan, often resembling dandruff, but they remain attached even after washing. Their position on the hair shaft—typically within ¼ inch of the scalp—facilitates access to the required temperature for hatching.

Angle of Attachment

Lice eggs, or nits, attach to hair shafts at a characteristic angle that distinguishes them from stray debris. The cement produced by the female louse hardens while the egg is being positioned, locking the nit in place at an inclination of roughly 30° to 45° from the hair’s surface. This slanted orientation creates a small, translucent or white oval that leans away from the scalp, making the lower edge appear slightly raised.

The precise angle can shift according to hair thickness, curl pattern, and scalp region:

Fine, straight hair: angles tend toward the lower end of the range (≈30°), resulting in a flatter profile.
Coarse or curly hair: angles often approach 45°, producing a more pronounced tilt.
Posterior scalp: angles may be slightly steeper because of tighter hair clustering.

Because the egg’s attachment point is cemented near the hair cuticle, the slanted position causes the nit’s shell to cast a faint shadow on the hair shaft. This shadow, combined with the egg’s translucency, is a key visual cue for diagnosis. Nits that lie flat (0°) are usually empty shells that have detached from the cement, while those that are overly upright (>60°) often indicate recent placement and are more likely to hatch within a few days.

Distinguishing Nits from Other Scalp Conditions

Dandruff vs. Nits

Lice eggs, called nits, are frequently confused with dandruff because both appear as small particles on the scalp. Accurate identification prevents unnecessary treatment and ensures proper pest control.

Nits are oval, about 0.8 mm long, and have a smooth, translucent to white or yellowish hue. They are firmly glued to each hair shaft, usually within a half‑inch of the scalp, and cannot be brushed away easily. The shell is rigid and often shows a slight curvature that follows the hair’s angle.

Dandruff consists of loose skin flakes ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm. Flakes are white or gray, irregularly shaped, and detach readily when the hair is combed or brushed. They do not adhere to hair strands and may fall onto shoulders.

Key visual distinctions:

Attachment: nits stick to hair; dandruff falls off.
Size: nits are larger and consistently oval; dandruff varies, often smaller.
Color: nits appear translucent or yellowish; dandruff is white or gray.
Texture: nits are hard and smooth; dandruff is soft and powdery.

Observing these characteristics enables quick differentiation between lice eggs and ordinary scalp flaking.

Hair Casts vs. Nits

Hair casts and nits are often confused because both appear as small, whitish objects attached to hair shafts, yet they differ in origin, structure, and how they cling to the hair.

Hair casts are cylindrical, translucent sheaths that encircle the hair shaft from the root to the tip. They are composed of keratin debris and slide easily along the hair when gently pulled. Their edges are smooth, and they can be removed with a fine‑toothed comb without leaving residue.
Nits are the eggs of head‑lice. Each nit is oval, about 0.8 mm long, and has a firm, opaque shell. The shell is attached to the hair by a sticky, cement‑like substance that secures it within 1–2 mm of the scalp. The cement prevents the egg from moving; attempting to slide the nit will cause it to break.

Key visual cues for identification:

Shape: cast – tube‑like; nit – oval.
Color: cast – clear to slightly creamy; nit – white to gray, sometimes brownish after hatching.
Attachment: cast – loosely wrapped, removable; nit – firmly glued, resistant to movement.
Location: cast – can be found anywhere along the shaft; nit – consistently near the scalp.
Texture: cast – smooth, flexible; nit – hard, brittle.

Recognizing these differences enables accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, preventing unnecessary pesticide use when only hair casts are present.

Product Residue vs. Nits

Lice eggs, or nits, attach firmly to hair shafts near the scalp. They appear as oval, white‑to‑tan structures, about 0.8 mm long, with a smooth, slightly translucent surface. The base of a nit is glued to the hair strand, creating a tiny “cap” that resists movement when the hair is brushed.

Hair‑care products such as conditioners, gels, or dry‑shampoo residues can mimic nits in size and color. However, product buildup lacks the anchoring point that characterizes a true nit. Residue typically coats the hair surface, slides easily when the strand is tugged, and may exhibit a glossy or oily sheen absent from nits.

Key visual and tactile differences:

Attachment: Nits are cemented to the hair cuticle; residue can be brushed off or washed away.
Shape: Nits are uniformly oval with a slightly pointed end; residue often forms irregular clumps or streaks.
Surface texture: Nits are matte and slightly rough; product residue is smooth, sometimes sticky.
Location: Nits concentrate within 1 cm of the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape; residue may appear anywhere along the hair length.

When examining a scalp, use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair. If the suspected particle remains attached after multiple passes and does not dissolve in water, it is likely a nit. If it washes away or detaches readily, it is product residue. Accurate identification prevents unnecessary treatment and ensures appropriate lice management.

Psoriasis Flakes vs. Nits

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, attach firmly to hair shafts near the scalp. They measure 0.8 mm in length, appear oval, and are typically creamy‑white to light tan. The shell is smooth, semi‑transparent, and often angled at a 45‑degree tilt relative to the hair strand. When a nit is hatched, the empty shell, or “nit shell,” remains attached and may appear slightly more translucent.

Psoriasis flakes are skin cells shed from inflamed scalp patches. They range from 0.5 mm to several millimetres, forming silvery‑white, powdery to slightly crusted scales. Unlike nits, scales are not anchored to individual hairs; they lie loosely on the scalp surface and can be brushed away easily. The texture is dry and may crumble under light pressure.

Key distinguishing features

Attachment: Nits are glued to the hair shaft; psoriasis scales are unattached.
Shape: Nits are uniformly oval; psoriasis flakes are irregular and often layered.
Color: Nits are creamy‑white to tan; psoriasis scales are silvery‑gray.
Mobility: Nits stay fixed until removed; scales shift with brushing or washing.
Location: Nits concentrate within ¼ inch of the scalp; psoriasis flakes can appear on any part of the scalp, including areas without hair.

Accurate identification relies on close visual inspection with a fine‑toothed comb. If a specimen resists removal and remains attached to the hair shaft, it is likely a nit. If it flakes off readily and presents a silvery sheen, it is more consistent with psoriasis. Consulting a healthcare professional ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.

Where to Look for Nits on the Head

Common Infestation Areas

Behind the Ears

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, are frequently found in the area behind the ears because hair is dense and the scalp temperature is stable. The region provides a protected environment where nits remain firmly attached to hair shafts.

Nits in this location display the following traits:

Length approximately 0.8 mm, resembling a tiny oval.
Color ranging from white to amber; older nits may darken to brown.
Surface smooth, without visible ridges.
Attachment point at the base of the hair shaft, secured by a cement-like secretion that resists removal.
Slightly raised angle from the hair, often visible when hair is pulled away from the skin.

Distinguishing nits from hair debris involves checking for:

Firm adherence that does not slide when the hair is brushed.
Consistent oval shape and uniform size.
Absence of the flaky or cotton-like texture typical of hair casts.

Detection behind the ears requires close inspection, preferably with a magnifying device and adequate lighting, to ensure accurate identification.

Nape of the Neck

The nape of the neck is a frequent location for lice eggs because hair there is short, dense, and often overlooked during routine checks. Eggs are firmly attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp, making them resistant to removal.

Lice eggs measure about 0.8 mm in length, appear oval, and have a smooth, translucent to tan shell. The shell’s surface may show a faint white or grayish hue, and a tiny white cap at one end marks the operculum, the point from which the emerging nymph will emerge. The egg’s attachment point is a solid, glue‑like bond that does not flake off like dandruff.

Key identification points:

Size: less than 1 mm, visible with a magnifying lens.
Shape: oval, with a distinct cap at one end.
Color: translucent, tan, or white; may darken as the embryo develops.
Position: attached within 1 cm of the scalp, often on hair at the nape.
Consistency: firmly glued, requires careful combing to dislodge.

Crown of the Head

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, adhere tightly to hair shafts near the scalp where temperature supports embryonic development. The crown, the highest point of the head, provides a favorable environment because hair density is greatest and the area remains warm and moist. Nits in this region are typically positioned about one‑quarter inch from the scalp surface, a distance that allows the egg’s cement to harden yet keeps the embryo within optimal heat range.

Visually, nits on the crown exhibit the following features:

Oval shape, measuring 0.8 mm in length and 0.3 mm in width.
Color progression from translucent or pale yellow shortly after being laid to darker brown as the embryo matures.
Smooth, glossy surface that reflects light, making them appear shiny against dark hair.
Firm attachment; attempts to slide the egg along the shaft usually fail because of the strong proteinaceous glue.

Detection relies on close inspection with a fine‑toothed comb or magnifying device. The comb’s teeth separate hair strands, exposing the cemented eggs. In the crown area, the concentration of nits may be higher than in other scalp regions, so systematic combing from front to back ensures thorough assessment. Removing nits requires repeated passes, as each egg must be dislodged without breaking the hair shaft.

Tips for Effective Visual Inspection

Lighting Conditions

Lighting dramatically influences the visibility of lice eggs attached to hair shafts. Bright, diffuse illumination reduces shadows that can conceal the oval, translucent structures, while directional light creates reflections that highlight their shape and attachment points.

Natural daylight provides a broad spectrum that renders the creamy‑white color of nits accurately; however, overcast conditions may diminish contrast. Incandescent bulbs emit a warmer hue, which can mask the subtle color difference between eggs and hair. Fluorescent lighting offers higher color temperature, improving contrast but may introduce flicker that interferes with close inspection. LED sources, especially those with adjustable brightness, deliver consistent illumination without heat, making them optimal for detailed examination.

Practical guidelines for optimal observation:

Position the scalp under a light source at a 45‑degree angle to produce specular highlights on the egg surface.
Use a magnifying lens or handheld microscope in conjunction with bright light to enlarge the nits and reveal the operculum.
Prefer daylight or full‑spectrum LED bulbs with a color temperature of 5000–6500 K.
Avoid low‑intensity or colored lighting, which can blend the eggs with hair and skin tones.

Tools for Examination

Effective detection of lice eggs on a scalp requires instruments that magnify, illuminate, and isolate the hair strands. Proper equipment reduces false negatives and speeds identification.

Fine-tooth comb (often called a nit comb) with metal or plastic teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart; pulls nits from shafts while providing tactile feedback.
Handheld magnifying lens or portable microscope offering 10–30× magnification; reveals the oval, translucent or white shell attached at an angle to the hair.
LED headlamp or clip‑on light source; supplies consistent illumination without heat, highlighting the reflective surface of the eggs.
Disposable scalp probe with a single, narrow tip; enables close inspection of the hair‑root area without cross‑contamination.
Transparent adhesive tape strips; pressed against hair to lift and display attached nits for quick visual confirmation.

When using these tools, separate sections of hair, examine close to the scalp where nits are firmly attached, and record findings with photographs if possible. Clean or replace disposable items after each examination to prevent reinfestation.

What to Do if You Find Nits

Confirming an Infestation

Lice eggs, or nits, appear as tiny, oval structures firmly attached to hair shafts close to the scalp. They are usually 0.8 mm long, whitish‑gray in color, and may look translucent when newly laid. Over time they darken to a yellow‑brown hue. Unlike dandruff, nits are glued to each strand and cannot be easily brushed away.

To verify an infestation, follow these steps:

Part the hair in sections of 1–2 cm using a fine‑tooth comb or a specialized nit comb.
Examine the base of each strand for the characteristic oval shape pressed against the shaft.
Look for a “pinhead” at the top of the nit, indicating the operculum where the larva will emerge.
Check the scalp for itching, redness, or small red bumps, which often accompany the presence of eggs.
Use a magnifying lens or bright light to differentiate nits from hair debris; nits remain attached after gentle pulling, while dandruff flakes fall off.

If several nits are found within a ¼‑inch radius of the scalp, the likelihood of an active infestation is high. Confirm the finding by repeating the inspection after 7–10 days; additional nits or hatching nymphs confirm ongoing transmission.

Treatment Options for Lice and Nits

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Lice eggs, often called nits, are tiny, oval structures about 0.8 mm long. They adhere firmly to the hair shaft within a millimeter of the scalp, where the warmth aids development. Early-stage nits appear white or translucent; as embryos mature, they turn yellowish‑brown and become more opaque. The attachment point is a cement‑like substance that resists removal by simple brushing.

Over‑the‑counter (OTC) products target both lice and their eggs through chemical or physical mechanisms. The most common active agents include:

Permethrin 1 % – a synthetic pyrethroid that disrupts nervous function in lice and penetrates the nit shell in a single application.
Pyrethrins with piperonyl‑butoxide – natural extracts enhanced by a synergist to increase egg‑penetrating ability.
Dimethicone 4 % – a silicone‑based polymer that coats and suffocates lice and nits without neurotoxic activity.
Malathion 0.5 % – an organophosphate that interferes with enzyme systems in both adult insects and developing eggs.
Benzyl alcohol 5 % – a non‑neurotoxic agent that kills lice by asphyxiation; repeated applications are required to affect eggs.

Effective use of OTC treatments follows a strict regimen. Apply the product to dry hair, ensuring thorough coverage from scalp to tips. Leave the solution on for the manufacturer‑specified duration, typically 10–15 minutes, then rinse. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb to remove detached eggs; repeat the entire process after 7–10 days to eliminate any hatching nits. Avoid using the same product more frequently than recommended, as resistance and skin irritation may increase.

Selecting an OTC option should consider the active ingredient’s mode of action, age‑appropriateness, and potential allergens. Products containing dimethicone are suitable for individuals with sensitivities to neurotoxic chemicals, while permethrin remains the most widely studied and effective single‑application solution. Consistent adherence to label instructions and proper combing are essential for complete eradication of lice eggs from the scalp.

Prescription Treatments

Lice eggs, known as nits, appear as tiny, oval or teardrop‑shaped structures firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp. Their color ranges from white or yellowish to a darker gray as they mature, and each measures about 0.8 mm in length, making them visible to the naked eye but easily mistaken for dandruff when not examined closely.

Prescription medications provide the most reliable method for eradicating nits and preventing reinfestation. The following agents are approved for oral or topical use and have demonstrated high efficacy in clinical trials:

Oral ivermectin – administered as a single dose of 200 µg/kg; eliminates both lice and eggs by disrupting neural transmission.
Topical permethrin 5 % cream rinse – applied to dry hair, left for 10 minutes, then rinsed; kills live insects and reduces egg viability.
Spinosad 0.9 % lotion – left on the scalp for 10 minutes; targets adult lice and immature eggs through contact toxicity.
Malathion 0.5 % lotion – requires a 12‑hour exposure; effective against resistant strains and residual eggs.

Proper application according to the product label, combined with thorough combing to remove detached nits, maximizes treatment success. Follow‑up dosing is typically scheduled 7–10 days after the initial treatment to address any newly hatched lice.

Non-Chemical Removal Methods

Lice eggs, commonly called nits, are oval-shaped, about 0.8 mm long, and adhere firmly to the hair shaft near the scalp. Fresh nits appear creamy‑white; as they mature, they darken to a tan or brown hue. The attachment point is a cement‑like substance that resists easy removal, making visual identification essential for effective treatment.

Non‑chemical strategies focus on physical disruption of the attachment and thorough removal of the eggs. The following methods have proven reliable when applied correctly:

Fine‑toothed nit comb: Use a metal comb with teeth spaced 0.2 mm apart. Comb hair while wet, starting at the scalp and moving outward in short sections. Rinse the comb after each pass to prevent re‑depositing eggs.
Manual extraction with tweezers: Grasp each nit at the base of the cement and pull straight away from the hair shaft. Perform on a well‑lit surface to avoid missing hidden eggs.
Heat application: Direct a hair dryer on a low, steady heat setting at the scalp for 10 seconds per section. Heat softens the cement, allowing easier combing or extraction.
Oil suffocation: Apply a thin layer of mineral or olive oil to the scalp, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then comb out loosened nits. The oil reduces adhesive strength without introducing chemicals.
Regular trimming: Cutting hair to a length of 2 cm or less eliminates many attachment sites, reducing the overall egg burden.

Consistent repetition of these techniques over a 7‑day period, aligned with the life cycle of the parasite, eliminates the majority of nits without resorting to insecticidal products.

Preventing Re-infestation

Lice eggs, or nits, attach firmly to hair shafts and survive for weeks if not removed. After treatment, the greatest risk is a new infestation from lingering nits, contaminated personal items, or close contact.

Effective measures to stop re‑infestation include:

Wash all bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C) and dry on high heat.
Seal untouched items in sealed plastic bags for two weeks; this deprives any surviving nits of a host.
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and car seats thoroughly; discard vacuum bags immediately.
Inspect hair daily for several weeks, removing any visible nits with a fine‑tooth comb.
Educate children and caregivers about avoiding head‑to‑head contact and sharing personal items such as hats, hairbrushes, and headphones.

Maintain a routine cleaning schedule in homes and schools, focusing on shared spaces and equipment. Prompt detection and removal of stray nits, combined with strict hygiene practices, significantly reduce the chance of another outbreak.