What does a lice infestation look like? - briefly
A lice infestation is evident by tiny, oval nits cemented to hair shafts close to the scalp and by active, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed that move rapidly across hair. Persistent itching and a fine, grayish debris resembling sand often accompany the condition.
What does a lice infestation look like? - in detail
A lice outbreak becomes visible through several distinct signs on the scalp and hair. Live insects, their eggs, and the reaction of the skin provide the primary clues.
- Small, tan‑brown insects about the size of a sesame seed moving quickly across the hair shafts.
- Oval, translucent eggs (nits) firmly attached to the base of each strand, positioned within a few millimeters of the scalp.
- White or yellowish shells surrounding the eggs, often mistaken for dandruff but resistant to removal.
- Intense, localized itching caused by the bite of the parasite and the accompanying allergic response.
- Red or irritated patches where the scalp has been scratched, sometimes with secondary inflammation.
Live lice are most active near the scalp where temperature is optimal; they can be seen crawling, especially when the hair is examined in bright light. Nits appear as tiny beads, their glossy surface reflecting light; they are difficult to dislodge because the cement that secures them hardens within 24 hours. The eggs hatch in 7–10 days, releasing nymphs that resemble adult lice but are smaller and less pigmented.
Itching results from the saliva injected during feeding, which contains proteins that trigger a hypersensitivity reaction. Continuous scratching may lead to excoriations, secondary bacterial infection, and visible redness. The presence of both live insects and attached nits confirms an active infestation, distinguishing it from simple dandruff or scalp dryness.