Finding out that lice might be in your family’s hair can be a worrying moment. It’s a common issue, especially where children are concerned, but knowing what you’re looking for is the first step to dealing with it. Lice are tiny, but they are visible to the naked eye if you know where and how to look.
Spotting Adult Lice on the Scalp
An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed. Its body is usually a tan or grayish-white color. To spot one, you’ll need to look closely at the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, as they prefer warm areas. They move quickly and avoid light, which can make them tricky to see. They have six claws designed to cling tightly to hair strands.
Identifying Lice Eggs (Nits)
Often, nits are what people notice first. These are the eggs laid by the female louse, and they are firmly glued to the base of the hair shaft, very close to the scalp. They look like tiny teardrop-shaped specks. A live nit is often a yellowish or brownish color before it hatches. A key way to tell a nit from dandruff is that nits are very difficult to flick off the hair, while dandruff flakes away easily.
What Do Baby Lice Look Like?
When a nit hatches, it releases a baby louse, called a nymph. Nymphs are extremely small, almost transparent, and can be very difficult to spot. They go through three growth stages before becoming adults, getting slightly larger and darker with each stage. Because of their size and color, they can easily be mistaken for a speck of dandruff until you see them move.
A Practical Guide to Checking for Lice
To do a thorough check, use a bright light and a fine-toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Section the hair and comb from the scalp all the way to the ends, wiping the comb on a white paper towel after each stroke. Look closely on the towel for any moving lice or nits stuck to the comb. Wet hair temporarily slows the lice down, making them easier to catch.
Finding lice can feel overwhelming, but identifying them correctly is the most important first step. With a careful eye and the right technique, you can confirm their presence and begin an effective treatment to help your family feel comfortable again.