Fletcher Allen, a Vermont university hospital and medical center, serves all of
Vermont and the northern New York region. Located in Burlington, Fletcher Allen is a regional, academic healthcare center and teaching hospital in alliance with the University of Vermont.
Head Lice
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Adult head lice are approximately the size of a sesame seed [2.5 mm (0.1 in.) to 3.5 mm (0.14 in.)] and can vary in color from white to brown to dark gray.
Louse eggs (nits) are much smaller [1 mm (0.03 in.)] and look like light gray or brown oval cylinders glued to individual hair shafts.
Head lice spread easily from one person to another through close bodily contact or through shared clothing or personal items such as hats or hair brushes.
Last Revised: August 30, 2012
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
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