American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

I’m a pediatrician and a mom - here’s how to treat lice without stigma

<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/761035/original/file-20260921-70-ce5vur.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.1&rect=0%2C822%2C5300%2C3533&q=45&auto=format&w=1050&h=700&fit=crop" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Headlice have a high ick factor, but thankfully but these insects aren't dangerous and don't spread disease. </span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/mother-passes-a-lice-comb-in-the-hair-of-her-6-royalty-free-image/606795833">Catherine DELAHAYE/Photononstop via Getty Images</a></span></figcaption></figure><p>Four words that parents in the classroom group chat dread to read: ‘My kid has lice.’ </p> <p>Head lice (<em>Pediculus humanus capitis</em>) are parasites that primarily infest children in childcare, preschool or elementary school. Having lice <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/lice/about/head-lice.html">doesn’t indicate poor hygiene</a>, despite a longstanding misconception driven by s