Finding an itchy scalp can be a worrying experience, especially when you suspect it might be lice. The first step to tackling the problem is knowing exactly what you’re looking for. These tiny insects are experts at hiding, but with a careful eye, you can learn to spot them and their telltale signs.
Spotting Adult Lice on the Scalp
Adult head lice are incredibly small, about the size of a sesame seed. Their bodies are typically a tan to grayish-white color, though they can appear darker on people with dark hair. They have six legs, each with a tiny claw designed to cling tightly to a hair strand. You’ll most often see them moving quickly near the scalp, particularly around the ears and the nape of the neck, where it’s warmest. They avoid light, so they can be tricky to catch.
Identifying Lice Eggs (Nits)
Often, the first sign of lice isn’t the bug itself, but its eggs, called nits. Nits are tiny, oval-shaped specks that are firmly attached to the base of the hair shaft, close to the scalp. They are often confused with dandruff, but there’s a key difference. While dandruff flakes off easily, nits feel like they are glued on. They are usually yellowish or white in color. Finding nits within a quarter-inch of the scalp usually indicates an active infestation.
How to Check for Lice Effectively
The best way to check is under a bright light, using a fine-toothed nit comb on wet, conditioned hair. Section the hair and slowly comb from the scalp all the way to the end of the hair, wiping the comb on a white paper towel after each pass. Look for both the moving, tan-colored lice and the stationary, cemented nits. Finding live, moving lice confirms an active case that needs treatment.
Knowing what lice and nits look like empowers you to take quick and effective action. While the idea of lice can be unsettling, they are a common issue and with careful identification and proper treatment, you can manage them successfully.