What Head Lice Looks Like
WouterWhen checking a child’s head, adult lice are rarely visible, as they move quickly among the hairs and can hide easily. However, you can look for nits, the eggs laid by female lice. They look like a tiny oval and are yellowish white. Nits are sometimes mistaken for dandruff, so you need a magnifying glass or a bright light to find them.
Lice bites can be very itchy, but in a light infestation, the itching may not be as intense. The female louse lays three to eight eggs a day on the hair, about 1.5 cm from the scalp. The eggs rely on warmth from the head to hatch. Unlike other insects, head lice do not have wings or jump legs; instead, they can crawl.
If you suspect your child has head lice, you should wash all of their clothing and bedding thoroughly, especially items that come in contact with the child’s scalp. If you can’t get rid of the lice completely, it’s important to make sure the surrounding area is also cleaned. You may need to use a stronger lice treatment or visit a doctor if you shared bedding with the child. However, you don’t need to purchase expensive anti-lice shampoos or use them on a regular basis. You can also try using natural remedies such as olive oil on the eggs. Another effective method is to use a fine metal comb to remove the eggs. Running the teeth of the comb through beeswax can also help.
The live lice infestation bug can be difficult to spot, because it is mobile and moves around the hair. Sometimes they resemble other insects, so if you’re unsure of the type of bug in your hair, it’s important to look for a live bug.
