Where do head lice appear in children? - briefly
Head lice infest the scalp, concentrating on the hairline behind the ears, the nape of the neck, and the area around the crown. They may also be found on eyebrows, eyelashes, and the upper shoulders where hair is dense.
Where do head lice appear in children? - in detail
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are found almost exclusively on the scalp and hair of school‑aged children. The insects cling to the hair shafts close to the skin, where warmth and blood supply support feeding. The most common attachment points are:
- The region behind the ears, where hair is dense and the scalp is warm.
- The nape of the neck, a frequent site for egg (nits) deposition.
- The crown and vertex area, especially in children with longer hair.
Adult lice and nymphs move freely along the hair, but they rarely leave the scalp to other body surfaces. Occasionally, they may be observed on eyebrows, eyelashes, or facial hair, but such locations represent secondary, temporary sites rather than primary habitats.
Eggs are cemented to the hair shaft about 1 cm from the scalp, typically in the same regions where adults congregate. This placement ensures that emerging nymphs have immediate access to a blood source. The concentration of lice and nits in these zones creates the characteristic “lice comb” pattern seen during inspection.
Environmental reservoirs—such as hats, hairbrushes, pillows, and shared clothing—serve only as temporary carriers. The insects cannot survive long away from the host, and re‑infestation occurs when children place contaminated items near the scalp.
In summary, head lice are localized to the scalp, primarily behind the ears, at the nape, and on the crown, with eggs attached to hair shafts in these areas. Secondary presence on facial hair is uncommon and usually transient.