Head lice are a common issue, especially among children, causing itching and discomfort. These insects spread through direct contact and shared items.

Typically, an adult washes a child’s hair, then uses a special lice comb (included with many over-the-counter lice shampoos) to find all the nits and remove them.

Just reading the word might make your head crawl. You can kill lice with shampoos but it helps to know why they often survive ...

Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD When your scalp is itchy and white flakes are visible in your hair, you may wonder whether you have lice or dandruff. Their symptoms can overlap, making it hard ...

Head lice have unfortunately become a part of raising children today. Knowing how to identify and safely remove them as early as possible can minimize irritation to the scalp.

Got lice? Shampoo, go to school, pediatric group says Originally published August 1, 2010 at 7:01 pm Updated August 1, 2010 at 9:01 pm ...

That drugstore lice shampoo from when you were a kid might not work so well anymore. In 25 states, lice now show resistance to pyrethroids, the pesticides commonly used in over-the-counter lice ...

Although lice and severe dandruff may look similar, they are quite different, which also means there are different treatments for each.

But research suggests that some lice have built genetic resistance to pyrethrins or permethrin, the compounds found in many anti-lice shampoos and lotions.

One is to buy special lice shampoos and conditioners, although these products are not always guaranteed to work. Unfortunately, lice are smart, Fisher said.

One is to buy special lice shampoos and conditioners, although these products are not always guaranteed to work. Unfortunately, lice are smart, Fisher said.