Caption

Abscess and head lice. View of an abscess on the scalp of a two-year-old girl heavily infected with head lice. The abscess (red) is a collection of pus caused by infection. Severe irritation due to head lice has caused excessive scratching allowing microorganisms to infect. Head lice are small wingless insects that live on and suck blood from the scalp. The females lay eggs or nits on the hairs close to the scalp (tiny, brown lumps in lines). The larger brown lumps in the hair are flakes of scabby skin. Lice can be killed rapidly by washing with lotions or shampoos containing malathion or carbaryl. Antibiotics may be given to treat the abscess.