What are lice in children called? - briefly
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are the insects that infest a child's scalp. They are small, wingless parasites that feed on human blood.
What are lice in children called? - in detail
Head lice, the tiny insects that infest a child’s scalp, are scientifically known as Pediculus humanus capitis. The singular term for an individual insect is “louse,” while “lice” refers to the group. These parasites belong to the order Phthiraptera and are distinct from body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis), which are rarely found on young children.
The life cycle consists of three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Eggs are cemented to hair shafts near the scalp and hatch in about 7–10 days. Nymphs emerge, mature over another 7–10 days, and become reproductive adults. An adult female can lay 6–10 eggs per day, leading to rapid population growth if untreated.
Typical signs include:
- Persistent itching caused by an allergic reaction to saliva.
- Visible live insects or translucent nits attached to hair strands.
- Small red bumps on the neck, shoulders, or behind the ears.
- Irritability or difficulty sleeping due to discomfort.
Transmission occurs through direct head-to-head contact, which is common during play, sports, or shared sleeping arrangements. Indirect spread via hats, brushes, or bedding is possible but less frequent.
Effective management involves:
- Mechanical removal – fine-toothed combs applied to wet hair to extract live insects and nits.
- Topical pediculicides – products containing permethrin (1 %) or pyrethrin, applied according to label instructions.
- Prescription options – oral ivermectin or topical dimethicone for resistant cases.
- Environmental measures – washing clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 130 °F) or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks to kill dormant eggs.
Prevention strategies include avoiding head-to-head contact, not sharing personal items such as combs or hats, and performing regular scalp inspections, especially after group activities.
Understanding the precise terminology and biological characteristics of the scalp parasite enables accurate diagnosis, timely treatment, and effective control within families and schools.