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Definition:
Related Terms
• Pediculicide
• Pediculosis
• Scabies
Nits are the eggs of lice. Humans can be infested with three kinds of lice: Pediculus capitis (head lice), Pediculus corporis (body lice), and Phthirus pubis (pubic, or crab, lice). Lice feed on human blood and deposit their eggs (nits) on the hair shafts (head lice and pubic lice) and along the seams of clothing (body lice). The nits are attached to the hair shaft or clothing with a strong cement.
Head Lice
Head lice are parasitic insects found most commonly behind the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck. Find out more about what head lice look like and how they are treated.
FDA Advisory on Lindane
The FDA has issued an update on the labeling of Lindane, a medication used to treat head lice. Lindane is considered a second-line treatment for head lice because of its significant potential side effects.
More Head Lice Links
Links to more information about head lice.
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Nits
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