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June 18, 2013
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Head Lice: Appearance on Hair


Picture of how head lice and their eggs (nits) look on hair

Head lice and their eggs (nits) can be seen on hair, the nape of the neck, and behind the ears. They can vary in color from white to brown to dark gray. The eggs are tiny round or oval shapes that are tightly attached to the hair near the scalp and do not slide up and down on the hair. The adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Last RevisedNovember 23, 2010

eMedicineHealth Medical Reference from Healthwise

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