How do lice bites look on the head? - briefly
Lice bites manifest as small, red papules about 1–3 mm across. They typically occur on the nape, behind the ears, and along the hairline, producing intense itching.
How do lice bites look on the head? - in detail
Louse bites appear as small, raised spots on the scalp. Each lesion is typically 1–3 mm in diameter, red or pink, and may have a tiny puncture point at the center where the insect’s mouthparts penetrated the skin. The surrounding area often shows a faint halo of erythema, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.
Common patterns include:
- Linear clusters – several bites aligned in a row, reflecting the movement of an adult or nymph across hair shafts.
- Grouped eruptions – three to five lesions grouped together, often near the hairline, behind the ears, or at the nape of the neck.
- Isolated spots – solitary bites may occur when a single louse feeds briefly before moving elsewhere.
The reaction evolves over time. Initially, the bite may be barely visible, presenting only as a faint discoloration. Within a few hours, inflammation peaks, causing itching, swelling, and sometimes a tiny vesicle. After 24–48 hours, the lesion may flatten, leaving a residual hyperpigmented mark that can persist for several days.
Distinguishing features from other scalp conditions:
- Absence of scaling – unlike dermatitis or psoriasis, louse bites rarely produce flaky skin.
- Intense pruritus – itching tends to be sharp and localized directly over the bite site.
- Presence of live insects or nits – visual confirmation of lice or their eggs in the hair confirms the diagnosis.
In severe infestations, secondary bacterial infection can develop, evidenced by crusting, pus, or increasing redness. Prompt identification of the bite characteristics, combined with inspection for live parasites, guides effective treatment.