Head lice

Skip Navigation
Lice in a person's hair part, with close-up of louse and louse eggs (nits).

Adult head lice (or "louse" for just one) are approximately the size of a sesame seed and can vary in color from white to brown to dark gray.

Louse eggs (nits) are much smaller and look like light gray or brown ovals that are glued to individual hair shafts.

Head lice spread from one person to another through close bodily contact. Sometimes they spread when people share clothing or personal items such as hats or hairbrushes.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.