What Does Head Lice Look Like?A Primer for Parents
Navigating head lice can be a stressful and intimidating prospect for parents. That’s why it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the telltale signs of head lice, as well as the necessary steps to take for treatment. In this article, we will be discussing the basics of understanding what head lice look like, as well as ways to prevent them.

What Do Head Lice Look Like?
Head lice are tiny parasites that attach themselves to the scalp and in the hair, solely feeding on blood from the human scalp. These insects measure anywhere between two and five millimeters in size and are easy to identify due to their grey, brown or redish-brown hue.

Head lice need warmth and humidity to survive; they are generally easier to find closer to the scalp and neck. With that in mind, it is important to check these two locations first when looking for head lice. It is also important to check the entire scalp as lice can attach themselves anywhere on the head.

Signs of a Head Lice Infestation
So you’ve identified head lice, now what? It’s time to be on the lookout for other potential signs of an infestation. Head lice generally cause an itchy scalp, as the lice are often biting the scalp to get the blood they need to survive. This itching can be mild to severe, and if not treated, may lead to additional skin irritation or a rash on the scalp.

Another sign of a lice infestation is seeing eggs/nits attached to the hair shaft. It is important to note that eggs/nits look similar to dandruff; however dandruff will not be 7-10 millimeters away from the scalp. Nits are generally ivory-white or yellowish in color, and are often mistaken for hair products such as pomade.

Preventing Head Lice
The best way to prevent a head lice infestation is to practice preventative measures. Avoid sharing hats, combs, pillows, and other clothing or hair accessories to minimize the risk of getting head lice. Similarly, it is important to clean combs and brushes (preferably in hot water) after each use. Avoiding contact with someone who has an active head lice infestation is also a great preventative measure.

Conclusion
Identifying head lice can be a challenging, yet manageable, task if done correctly. It is important to always check the scalp and neck areas, as well as any irritation or itchiness that may occur in those areas. Additionally, look out for signs of eggs/nits in the hair shafts. Adopting a few preventative measures is key in reducing the risk of head lice, and should be done whenever possible. With the right precautionary steps, scalp itching and irritations due to head lice can easily be avoided.