Some people who have head lice may not experience itching right away. It can take up to six weeks after infestation for the scalp to begin feeling itchy. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some people may also feel a “tickling” sensation on their scalp or head, as though something is moving or crawling.
Dandruff commonly occurs throughout the hair. Lice eggs commonly occur closer to the scalp and are not as widespread as dandruff flakes. If you cannot easily brush or shake the flakes off the hair or scalp, they may be lice eggs.
You may see small bugs that look like light-brown sesame seeds on clothing, bedding, skin, or hair.
Working with wet hair also makes it easier to carefully part sections, and clip the examined sections out of the way so you can continue to check the remainder of the hair. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Adult lice are light brown in color, and are about the size of a sesame seed. The adults are often found near the scalp area, in the hair just above and behind the ears, and at the hairline around the base of the neck. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Lice combs are available at drug stores. They are smaller than a regular comb, but the teeth in the comb are much closer together to more easily search for lice and nits. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Catching a louse with your fingers is not dangerous. By doing this, you can confirm that the person you are examining does have a lice infestation.
Remember to focus on the area around your ears and at the base of your neck. Examining your own hair for lice is difficult, so focusing on the most likely places may help you to determine if you have a lice infestation. [20] X Research source
Unfortunately, lice have become more resistant to the usual treatments — even some prescription treatments. Your doctor may have to prescribe stronger medications (sometimes to be taken orally) to get rid of the lice.
Items that cannot be washed can be dry cleaned, or put in a tightly sealed plastic bag for two weeks. [28] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Make sure to wash any soft items, such as stuffed animals or pillows, in hot water.
Do not share soft items between family members until all signs of infestation have disappeared.
Make sure that your child does not make head-to-head contact with other children at school. Alert your school nurse that you have found lice or nits on your child and that it has been treated. The school may be required to tell other parents that an exposure has taken place so families can be on alert and the nurse can check the possibly exposed students. Do not feel embarrassed as this is extremely common.
