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URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/2437.htm

Lice, head - nits in the hair with close-up

Lice, head - nits in the hair with close-up

Overview

This photograph shows the "nits" or tiny white egg sacks attached to the hairs. Schools often insist that these be entirely removed before a child returns to school.

Review Date 1/1/2026

Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Regional Medical Director of Penn Medicine Primary and Specialty Care, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.