nits

nits Lice eggs. Nits are hard to see, and they are often confused with dandruff or hair-spray droplets. Nits firmly attach to the hair shaft with a glue-like substance. They are oval and range in color from yellow to white. Nits take about a week to hatch. All nits must be removed to prevent reinfestation with lice. They can be removed with a special comb or with the fingers. Topical preparations are available that loosen their attachment to hair, making removal easier. See also head lice.