(HealthDay News) - Head lice are tiny insects that live in the hair. They can be transmitted from person to person, or by sharing items such as clothing or linens with an infested person.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to treat and remove head lice and their eggs:

  • Thoroughly wash hair with a medicated shampoo or lotion that contains permethrin.
  • Use a metal nit comb to pick eggs out of the hair. Metal combs are more effective than plastic ones. Rub olive oil on the hair or rub the comb in beeswax before combing to make eggs easier to remove.
  • Begin treatment as soon as you spot symptoms of lice.
  • Thoroughly wash all clothing, towels and bed linens in very hot water and detergent.