<Back Head Lice Each year millions of school-aged children in the United States get head lice. Though head lice may be a nuisance, they don't cause serious illness or carry any diseases. Also, head lice can be treated at home. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help you check for, treat, and prevent the spread of head lice. What are head lice?Head lice are tiny insects. They are about the size of a sesame seed (2 mm to 3 mm long). Their bodies are usually pale... Sign In Now To continue reading, you must be a subscriber to AAP Patient Education Online. Not a Subscriber? Subscribe Learn more about Patient Education Online Read the Sample Handout Take a Site Tour