How can you realize you have lice? - briefly
Look for live insects or oval, whitish nits attached to hair shafts close to the scalp. Persistent itching, especially behind the ears and at the nape, commonly indicates an infestation.
How can you realize you have lice? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent through specific physical signs and observable symptoms. The following points outline the most reliable indicators and practical steps for confirming an infestation.
A person should look for:
- Live insects measuring 2–4 mm, gray‑brown in color, moving quickly on the scalp or hair shafts.
- Nits (lice eggs) attached firmly to hair strands, positioned within ¼ inch of the scalp; they appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white or tan structures that do not easily detach when the hair is brushed.
- Intense itching, especially around the ears, neck, and crown, caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva.
- Small red bumps or irritations on the scalp, often confused with dandruff but distinct in their localized distribution.
To verify the presence of lice, an individual can perform a systematic inspection:
- Separate hair into small sections using a fine‑tooth comb or a lice‑detection comb, working from the scalp outward.
- Examine each section against a light source, focusing on the base of the hair near the scalp where nits are most commonly laid.
- Capture any moving insects or attached nits on a white tissue or disposable surface for closer observation.
- Repeat the process on multiple areas of the head, including behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, to rule out missed spots.
Distinguishing lice from other scalp conditions requires attention to the following differences:
- Dandruff consists of loose, white flakes that fall off easily; nits remain affixed to hair strands.
- Scalp psoriasis produces silvery scales and may affect larger skin areas, not confined to hair shafts.
- Flea bites or allergic dermatitis cause generalized itching without the presence of insects in the hair.
If the inspection reveals live lice or firmly attached nits, treatment should commence promptly. Over‑the‑counter pediculicides, applied according to manufacturer instructions, are effective when combined with thorough combing to remove remaining eggs. Persistent symptoms after two treatment cycles, or uncertainty about the diagnosis, warrant consultation with a healthcare professional for prescription options and guidance on preventing re‑infestation.