MODEL RELEASED. Head lice. Boy scratching head to relieve the itchy effects of head lice. He is six years old. Head lice live amongst the hairs of the human head. They feed on human blood, which is the cause of the intense itching sensation. Head lice can lay many eggs in a single day, these eggs are also known as nits. Head lice and their nits can be treated by combing the hair, shaving the head or by a variety of chemical treatments.