What Do Head Lice in Hair Look Like?
WouterIf you’ve ever seen a picture of a head lice infestation on a child, you know that the insects are small and oval-shaped, and are very difficult to see. They’re usually white or yellow, and are so small that they can often be confused with dandruff or scabs. If you think you might have head lice, there’s no need to panic. Fortunately, there are a few ways to detect lice.
The most common symptom of head lice is itching. This can start weeks after the insects move in, and is the result of an allergic reaction to the bug’s bites. This scratching can result in sores on the scalp, and these can become infected. Infected areas can be red and swollen, and you may also see tender lymph nodes in your neck.
The best way to treat head lice is to get a treatment as soon as possible. This treatment can help to prevent lice from returning and spreading to other people. It’s also helpful to check other family members if you suspect a child may be infected, since head lice won’t go away on their own.
Another symptom of head lice is the presence of nits in your child’s hair. Lice shampoo can help prevent nits, but the only way to know whether you have lice is to remove live lice. The nits should be smaller than one-quarter inch in diameter (six millimeters) and located within the scalp.
