For those who may not be familiar with head lice, they are microscopic, wingless insects that not only leave nits (lice eggs) and other forms of infestation in your hair but also draws blood from the scalp. In most cases, head lice can resemble dandruff, and as a result, some people will try to use dandruff shampoos and similar products to get rid of them, which are usually ineffective. In this article, we will go over how to identify head lice and a few treatments that are effective when it comes to removing them from your hair.
HOW TO IDENTIFY HEAD LICE
The sooner you can identify head lice, the sooner you can take the steps necessary to get rid of them. That said, head lice are usually found directly on the scalp or around the ears. Although symptoms can vary from one person to the next, those with head lice will typically experience the following:
- A crawling sensation on the scalp
- An unusually itchy scalp
- Rash around the hairline
It is important to note that head lice symptoms and the severity of those symptoms can vary depending on the type of infestation that you are struggling with, meaning whether you have nits, nymphs, or adult lice in your hair:
Nits (lice eggs) – Given their small size, typically the size of a sesame seed, nits (lice eggs) are not the easiest to detect with the naked eye. Nonetheless, they are oval-shaped eggs that can sometimes seamlessly blend in with the color of your hair. However, they can also take on a white or yellowish color, which is why they are often confused with dandruff. Head lice nits are commonly found on the first 1 or 2 inches of hair shaft closest to your scalp and are often very sticky.
Nymphs – Also known as a singular baby louse, nymphs can hatch from nits (lice eggs) and draw blood from the scalp. Nymphs will continue to grow for 9 to 12 days after they have hatched. They also tend to move quickly and will make it a point to avoid light, which can make them harder to detect. Lastly, these pesky critters can also make the scalp extremely itchy.
Adult lice – Similar to nits, adult lice are roughly the size of a sesame seed; however, they are also very much a chameleon in that they can appear lighter or darker depending on one’s hair color. Additionally, adult lice typically have 6 legs that are fitted with claws at each end, which enables them to attach to one’s hair.
Because head lice can become so deeply embedded in your hair, regular shampoos are often ineffective when it comes to getting rid of them. The best lice removal treatments include wet combing or applying synthetic or natural insecticides to your hair, which kills both the lice and their eggs. To learn more about identifying head lice and how to get rid of them, you’re encouraged to visit us online at liceliftersdfw.com.
