What Do Head Lice Look Like?
WouterIf you suspect you may have been infested by head lice, you might be wondering what exactly they look like. Head lice are microscopic parasites that come in three different forms: nits, the egg stage, and the mature adult. The adult lice are grayish white or tan in color and are about the size of a sesame seed. They can live for two days off the scalp and are usually present in the hair shaft.
Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that feed on the blood of the scalp. They reproduce by laying eggs in the hair. Unlike ear lice or bedbugs, head lice are harmless and do not transmit disease. If you suspect you may have been infested, it’s important to identify the signs and symptoms of the infestation as soon as possible.
A head lice infestation will consist of live lice and nits, which are the eggs of the parasite. While most cases contain only the live bug, the egg stage is also important to recognize. These eggs are laid by the pregnant female louse. Knowing what these creatures look like will make it easier to identify them in your hair.
The live lice are hard to spot, so it’s important to examine your child’s hair closely. Use disposable gloves and look for moving lice. Using a magnifying glass can also help. Make sure you wear gloves when handling a child’s hair. Part the child’s hair down the scalp and examine each section carefully. If you find live lice, treat them right away.
