If you ignore nits, the lice eggs, or nits, can hatch and lead to an infestation of head lice. This can be a very uncomfortable and irritating experience and can even lead to secondary skin infections.
When nits are left untreated, they will begin to hatch and the cycle will repeat itself. The nymphs, or baby lice, will feed on the scalp and lay more eggs, perpetuating the infestation and making it much harder to get rid of.
Head lice can spread quickly among family members and in daycare or school settings. Treatment of head lice requires a comprehensive approach, including killing the lice with medicated shampoo and combing out the nits with a fine-toothed nit comb.
If you are neglecting to treat nits, you may also experience other symptoms such as itching or redness on the scalp, difficulty sleeping, or even secondary skin infections due to scratching. In addition, untreated nits can lead to an increase in the number of lice on the scalp, making it harder to treat.
It is important to treat nits as soon as they are noticed to avoid an infestation of head lice. If you think you may have nits, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on the best treatment option.