What is a sign of lice? - briefly
The most common indicator is an itchy scalp resulting from the bite reaction, and a reliable secondary sign is the detection of tiny, oval nits firmly attached to hair shafts close to the scalp.
What is a sign of lice? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent through several observable and tactile cues. The most reliable indicator is the presence of live insects crawling on the scalp or hair shafts. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed, gray‑brown, and move quickly when the head is examined.
A secondary sign is the detection of nits—tiny, oval eggs attached firmly to the base of hair strands. Nits appear as white or yellowish specks, often mistaken for dandruff, but unlike dandruff they cannot be brushed away easily. When a nit is gently pulled, it may crack open, revealing a translucent embryo.
Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva, frequently accompanies an infestation. The itch tends to intensify after prolonged periods without washing the hair, and scratching can lead to secondary skin irritation or infection.
A less obvious clue is the presence of small blood stains on pillowcases, hats, or clothing. These result from lice feeding on the scalp and may appear as faint reddish spots.
For thorough verification, follow these steps:
- Part the hair in sections and inspect the roots with a fine‑tooth comb under bright light.
- Examine each strand for moving lice, translucent nits, or empty egg shells (nits that have hatched).
- Look for localized redness or raised bumps on the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Check personal items that remain in close contact with the head (hats, scarves, hair accessories) for live insects or nits.
Consistent observation of any combination of these signs confirms an active lice problem and warrants immediate treatment.