Where do lice appear in children? - briefly
Head lice infest the scalp, concentrating behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, where they lay eggs on hair shafts. Occasionally they can be found in eyebrows or facial hair, but the primary site remains the scalp.
Where do lice appear in children? - in detail
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) colonize the scalp and hair. Adult insects and nymphs cling to hair shafts, especially near the scalp where temperature and humidity are optimal. The most frequent attachment points are the area behind the ears, the nape of the neck, and the crown of the head. Nits are cemented to the hair shaft within a few millimetres of the scalp, often visible at the base of strands.
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) inhabit clothing and lay eggs on fabric fibres. When they move onto the skin, they prefer warm, protected regions. Typical sites include the waistline, the area around the abdomen, the groin, the armpits, and the lower back. These regions provide easy access to clothing seams and folds where the insects reside.
Key locations of infestation in children can be summarized:
- Scalp: hair shafts, especially behind ears and at the crown
- Nape of the neck: dense hair and close contact with clothing
- Forehead and hairline: areas where hair meets skin
- Body: waist, abdomen, groin, axillae, lower back – zones where clothing is tight or folds
Inspection should focus on these regions, looking for live insects, mobile nymphs, or firmly attached nits. Prompt identification enables targeted treatment and reduces the risk of spread.