What are the signs that I have lice? - briefly
Typical indications include persistent scalp itching, especially behind the ears and at the nape, and the visible presence of live insects or their translucent eggs attached to hair shafts. Additional clues are small dark specks resembling pepper grains (nits) and a sensation of movement within the hair.
What are the signs that I have lice? - in detail
Lice infestations present several observable indicators that allow reliable identification without medical equipment.
The most common manifestations include:
- Presence of live insects approximately 2–4 mm in length, resembling tiny grayish‑brown beetles, moving quickly across the scalp or hair shafts.
- Small, oval, white or yellowish eggs (nits) firmly attached to the base of hair strands, often within a half‑centimeter of the scalp; they appear opaque at first and turn translucent as the embryo develops.
- Intense itching caused by the bite of the parasite, typically emerging 24–48 hours after initial contact and persisting throughout the infestation.
- Red, irritated patches on the scalp, neck, or behind the ears, sometimes accompanied by secondary infection from scratching.
- Visible blood or brownish specks on hair or clothing, resulting from the insect’s feeding activity.
Additional clues may arise during close examination with a fine‑toothed comb: the comb pulls out live insects, empty egg shells, or intact nits, confirming the problem.
In children, frequent head‑to‑head contact in schools or camps increases risk; in adults, shared personal items such as hats, brushes, or headphones serve as vectors. Prompt detection relies on systematic visual inspection of the scalp and hair, focusing on the areas behind the ears, at the nape, and along hair margins.
Effective management requires removal of all live insects and nits, followed by treatment of the environment to prevent re‑infestation.