Head lice (Pediculosis capita) are tiny (up to 3 mm), tan/grey-white/black wingless insects that cling to hairs and suck blood from the scalp. Female lice glue their eggs to the base of hair shafts. Eggs hatch to leave empty white shells (‘nits’) stuck tightly to the hair, not easily brushed out. Adult lice walk from one head to another during close head-to-head contact. They can infect anyone with hair but most often children aged 4–11 years.
To access up to date information on signs, symptoms and treatment guidance click on the links below:
Key links –
Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Head lice, 2010 https://cks.nice.org.uk/head-lice#!scenario
NHS Choices. Head lice treatment www.nhs.uk/conditions/Head-lice/pages/treatment.aspx
Hepatitis C
Public Health England – Hepatitis C in England 2019: Working to eliminate hepatitis C as a major public health threat https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/798270/HCV_in-England_2019.pdf
