![Two lice viewed under an electron microscope.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121017191852im_/http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/images/lice/home_page_image_head.jpg)
Adult head lice are roughly 2-3 mm long. Head lice infest the head and neck and attach their eggs to the base of the hair shaft. Lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly.
Head lice infestation, or pediculosis, is spread most commonly by close person-to-person contact. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not play a role in the transmission of human lice.
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treatment of head lice infestations.
Image: Two lice viewed under an electron microscope. Note the claws used to grasp onto individual hairs. Credit: CDC
Explore
- General Information Most common questions answered...
- Epidemiology & Risk Factors Who gets it and how...
- Biology Stages of parasite development...
- Disease Signs and symptoms of the disease...
- Diagnosis Tests for infection...
- Treatment Medication and steps to take...
- Prevention & Control How to stay healthy or get better...
- Resources for Health Professionals What you need to know...
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 -
1-800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm EST/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov