How can you recognize that you have lice? - briefly
Look for persistent scalp itching, visible live insects moving on hair, and tiny, oval nits firmly attached within ¼ inch of the scalp. Absence of these signs usually indicates no infestation.
How can you recognize that you have lice? - in detail
A lice infestation can be identified through several observable signs and symptoms.
- Scalp itching: Persistent, localized itching, especially after hair washing, often indicates the presence of live insects or their saliva.
- Visible insects: Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed, gray‑brown, and move quickly across hair shafts. Nits (lice eggs) appear as tiny, oval, white or yellowish specks attached firmly to the base of each hair strand.
- Nit placement: Nits are typically found within ¼ to ½ inch of the scalp, where the temperature supports development. They are glued to the hair shaft and do not slide when the hair is gently brushed.
- Red or irritated spots: Small, raised, reddish areas on the scalp or neck result from scratching or allergic reactions to lice saliva.
- Secondary infection: Excessive scratching can lead to bacterial infection, manifested by pus‑filled lesions or crusted sores.
To confirm an infestation, follow a systematic inspection:
- Separate a small section of hair close to the scalp.
- Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on a well‑lit surface, moving from the scalp outward.
- Wipe the comb after each pass to observe captured insects or nits.
- Repeat the process on multiple sections of the head, including behind the ears and at the nape.
If live lice or viable nits are consistently found, treatment should begin immediately. Absence of these findings, despite itching, may suggest alternative causes such as dermatitis or allergic reactions, which require different management.