Head louse nits, illustration - stock illustration

Head louse nits. Computer illustration of a nit, or egg, of the human head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) attached to a human hair. The lid of the nit (top) is perforated with air holes that allow the developing nymphs to breathe. Adult female head lice lay between 80 to 100 eggs during their life. These hatch after a week and develop rapidly, with successive generations arising every three weeks. Adults live in the hair on the head and suck blood from the scalp, causing intense itching. The itching provokes scratching, which can lead to scalp inflammation, or dermatitis. Treatment is with medicated shampoo.