All about detecting lice……

What are the symptoms of head lice?

The most common symptom of head lice is an itchy scalp. If you notice your child itching more frequently than normal, you should check for head lice.

How do I know if my child has head lice?

Upon inspection of your child’s head, look for nits behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. They will be located within a quarter inch from the scalp. Unlike dandruff or residue from hair products, nits cannot be brushed or flicked off and are even difficult to manually pull out of the hair. You can also look for live nymph and adult bugs that will be in the hair close to the scalp. They are tricky to find as they usually blend in with the hair color. If you are still unsure whether or not your child has lice, you can always contact us for a head check.

Can head lice live on any other part of the body?

No. There are other types of lice that are human parasites, and they are closely related to head lice. These include body and pubic lice. However, a head louse, or Pediculus humanus capitis, can only live on the head. For more information on these other types of lice, please visit an outside source such as WebMD.

Why do head lice prefer the nape of the neck and behind the ears?

Head lice like to be as safe and warm as possible. Hair is the thickest on our heads behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, and therefore the warmest.

My child has lice but how do I know if I have it too?

While it is certainly more difficult to identify lice on your own head, it can be done. Look for nits around your ears. Also, part your hair and look closely at your scalp, especially around your hair line. You may even be able to spot a live bug if you look carefully. You can also look for small sores and skin irritation that results from an allergic reaction to their bites, as well as your own scratching. If you are still unsure about whether or not you have head lice, you can always contact us for a head check.

What if I find head lice?

If head lice are found then it needs immediate attention. The reproduction of head lice is an ongoing cycle. Every day that is allowed to go by is another day for the female to lay her eggs. More eggs result in more lice, which means more eggs. Removing head lice is a difficult process and very time consuming. It is well worth taking care of the problem now than let a full on infestation take place. Contact us for assistance.

Do head lice cause health problems?

Head lice themselves are merely a nuisance and do not directly cause any health problems. However, small sores and skin irritation can occur due to an allergic reaction to their bites, and more often can occur do to your own scratching. It is then possible for a secondary infection to occur.

Back to FAQ