Many myths exist about head lice, such as lice can jump or fly from one person to another; you can get them from animals; grass or trees; and you have to shave your head to get rid of them. Many young children will contract head lice, and their parents should not be embarassed or alarmed.

Head lice are parasitic insects that live on human scalps. Nits are their tiny white eggs, and they cannot be brushed off like dandruff, says Dr. Lois Dusdieker, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Iowa College of Medicine and staff physician at the Family Care Center. You need to use a special comb, which is available at drug stores, to pull them off because lice cement their eggs to the hair shaft near the scalp.

Parents generally discover head lice by seeing the nits in a child's hair, or when children complain of itching. School nurses periodically check for lice so cases don't spread at school.

Note how far the nits are from the scalp. "Lice lay eggs close to your head because it's warm. If the nits are more than a few millimeters from the scalp, they probably have hatched," Dusdieker says.

There are many other misconceptions about head lice.

• "A case of head lice should carry no social stigma, because just about every child gets head lice at some time," says Dusdieker.
• Anyone can get head lice, but children get them most often because of their close contact in schools and summer camps. "Children often play with their heads right next to each other, and they share combs, caps and barrettes," she says. "Head lice prefer a clean, healthy scalp, adult or child." When one person gets head lice, the whole family should be treated. Lice hide in hair brushes, bedding and furniture in the home, and spread easily.
• Anti-lice shampoos and cream rinses available at your local pharmacy or drug store long ago replaced shaving the scalp and kerosene astiesment. You also need to treat clothing, coats, hats, and other items, including bedding, by washing them in hot, soapy water. If you can't wash a coat or a comforter because of manufacturer's care directions, have it dry cleaned. Toys or other non-washable items should be put in airtight plastic bags for several weeks, because lice won't survive away from human hosts for more than a few days. Vacuum furniture and carpets. "You really need to do major housecleaning, " says Dusdieker.
• "The only way head lice might harm you is if you scratch too much and develop a secondary skin infection," says Dusdieker. "A case of head lice can be very uncomfortable and very annoying, but not fatal."

For more information about head lice, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.