How Can You See Head Lice?
Head lice can be difficult to see, especially on children. The best way to see them is to part the child’s hair and inspect it thoroughly. Use a magnifying glass or disposable gloves, and be sure to examine all of the hair – especially close to the scalp. Look for moving lice, and also look for eggs. You can see the eggs by looking closely at the bottom of the hair near the scalp.
The eggs are white or brown, and attached to the hair. Often, nits may appear without any live lice. It is important to treat the hair and scalp as if you have lice, including treating nits. In addition, you must avoid close contact with anyone with infected hair and avoid sharing hats or brushes. It is also important to know what to look for, as other small insects may be mistaken for head lice.
Head lice are most commonly found in the hair around the ears and at the nape of the neck. The nits and eggs are white, brown, or gray in color, and are usually attached to the hair near the scalp. The adult lice are tiny, and appear as tiny seeds attached to individual hairs.
There are several treatments for head lice, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter treatments. Natural remedies are also available. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using a medication. The doctor can prescribe stronger medicines if the child has been exposed to lice eggs, or if the child has shared bedding.