What are the signs of lice presence? - briefly
Typical indicators include persistent scalp itching and the presence of nits—tiny, oval, white or grayish eggs—attached close to the scalp. Live lice may also be seen moving among the hair or crawling on the skin.
What are the signs of lice presence? - in detail
Lice infestations reveal themselves through several observable and physiological cues.
Live insects can be seen crawling on the scalp, especially near the hairline, behind the ears, and at the nape. They move quickly, often dropping when the hair is brushed.
Eggs, commonly called nits, appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑brown or white specks firmly attached to each hair shaft. Unlike dandruff, nits cannot be brushed away easily; they require a fine‑tooth comb for removal.
Itching is a frequent symptom, caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva. The itch intensifies after several days, leading to frequent scratching, which may produce redness, swelling, or small abrasions.
Secondary skin irritation can develop where the scalp is repeatedly scratched, sometimes resulting in crusted sores or bacterial infection.
In severe cases, the scalp may exhibit a “grayish‑white” or “dirty” appearance due to the accumulation of dead lice, nits, and skin debris.
Detection is enhanced by the following steps:
- Part hair in small sections under bright light.
- Use a metal nit comb, moving from the scalp outward in each section.
- Examine the comb after each pass for live lice or attached nits.
- Inspect the neck, behind the ears, and the forehead hairline for hidden insects.
Children often report frequent head scratching, especially at night, and may experience difficulty sleeping because of the irritation.
Pubic or body lice produce similar signs on coarser hair: visible insects, attached eggs, and localized itching.
Recognition of these indicators enables prompt treatment and prevents spread to others.