What are the signs that you have lice on your head? - briefly
Common indicators include persistent scalp itching, visible live lice, and nits attached to hair shafts, particularly near the neck. Nits appear as tiny, oval, white‑to‑brown specks that cling firmly to strands.
What are the signs that you have lice on your head? - in detail
Head lice infestations manifest through several observable indicators.
• Persistent itching of the scalp, often intensifying after exposure to heat or during periods of inactivity.
• Small, whitish or yellowish ovoids firmly attached to hair shafts, commonly referred to as nits. These remain affixed even after vigorous brushing.
• Live insects measuring 2–4 mm, resembling tiny brown or gray specks, moving quickly across the scalp or clinging to hair strands.
Additional signs may include:
• Redness or localized inflammation resulting from scratching.
• Tiny puncture marks or superficial sores where lice have fed.
• Restlessness or difficulty sleeping, especially in children, due to nocturnal activity of the parasites.
Distinguishing lice from other scalp conditions requires careful observation. Dandruff consists of loose flakes that easily fall off, whereas nits are glued to the hair shaft and cannot be removed without force. Scalp psoriasis or dermatitis may cause scaling but lacks the presence of live insects or firmly attached eggs.
Effective detection involves a systematic approach:
- Part hair into small sections using a fine‑tooth comb.
- Inspect each section under bright illumination, focusing on the area behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Look for moving lice and for nits positioned within ¼ inch of the scalp, as these are viable.
- If nits are found farther from the scalp, they are likely empty shells and do not indicate an active infestation.
These observations provide a comprehensive basis for confirming the presence of head lice.