Evidence-Based Information on Head Lice Treatment & Prevention

Head lice are a common and frustrating problem for families, schools, and childcare centers. Despite how common infestations are, there is still widespread confusion about how lice spread, how to prevent them, and which treatments are truly effective.

LiceTreatments.org is an educational resource dedicated to providing clear, research-based information on head lice—how they live, how infestations occur, and how to safely and effectively eliminate them.

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What are Head Lice?

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp and feed on human blood. They spread primarily through direct head-to-head contact and are most common among school-aged children.

Contrary to common myths, head lice:

  • Do not indicate poor hygiene
  • Do not spread disease
  • Can affect anyone, regardless of hair type or cleanliness

Understanding how lice live and reproduce is essential for choosing an effective treatment and preventing reinfestation.

How Head Lice Spread

Symptoms of Head Lice

Lice Prevention: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

While no prevention method is 100% effective, certain practices can reduce the risk of infestation:

  • Avoid sharing hats, hair tools, and pillows
  • Keep long hair tied back in group settings
  • Perform routine scalp checks, especially during outbreaks
  • Understand early signs of lice activity

Many sprays and “repellent” products lack strong scientific evidence. Education and early action remain the most reliable prevention strategies.

Understanding Lice Treatment Options

There are several categories of lice treatments available today, each working in a different way:

  • Manual removal (combing): Chemical-free but time-intensive
  • Pesticide-based treatments: Widely available but increasingly affected by lice resistance
  • Suffocation-based treatments: Physically disable lice without pesticides
  • Professional heat treatments: Effective but costly and not always accessible

Choosing the right treatment depends on safety, effectiveness against both lice and eggs, and ease of use at home.

Comparing Lice Treatments

Not all lice treatments work the same—and many fail due to resistance or incomplete egg removal. When comparing products, important factors to consider include:

  • Ability to kill both live lice and eggs
  • Risk of pesticide resistance
  • Safety for children and sensitive scalps
  • Total treatment time and ease of use
  • Likelihood of reinfestation

Our comparison guides break down these factors to help families make informed decisions based on evidence, not marketing claims.

OUR MISSION

LiceTreatments.org exists to provide families with:

  • Clear, accurate information
  • Science-based comparisons
  • Practical guidance for real-world lice management

Our goal is to help families resolve lice infestations confidently, safely, and with the least disruption possible.

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  • Learn how lice live and spread
  • Discover proven prevention strategies
  • Compare the most effective lice treatments
  • Find step-by-step treatment guidance

References & Medical Sources

All content on this site is informed by guidance from public health authorities, pediatric dermatology research, and peer-reviewed studies on head lice treatment and resistance.

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Understanding Head Lice

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Prevention Tips

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Treatment Methods

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Compare Products

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