How to Identify Symptoms of Lice

The subject of lice gives many individuals the heebie-jeebies. Just the mention of the word causes adults and children to reach for their heads and start scratching. Lice, especially head lice, are very common among school-aged children. Called Pediculosis, lice infestation is causes by extremely small parasites that may affect the head, the body and the private areas. Lice prefer areas of the body covered with hair and may be found on the scalp, the eyebrows and the genital areas. They travel from clothing to skin and prefer skin folds and areas sheltered by close-fitting clothing. Lice are extremely mobile, and if not treated immediately, may spread to every area of the home. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of any lice of any type will save you and your home from infestation.

Things You'll Need

• Over the counter products such as Nix, which contain permethrin.

Instructions

1. Scratching and itching are the main symptoms of a lice problem. While most commonly found on the scalp in small children, body or crab lice (found in the genital area) may be found anywhere on the body.

2. Itching seems to increase at nighttime as the lice begin to migrate. Lice may be present for up to two weeks before itching and scratching is noticeable.

3. Appearance of nits or tiny eggs are often visible on the scalp of children with shorter hair. These nits attach themselves to hair shafts and look like tiny round orbs that may appear white or a yellowish-white in color.

4. Scabbing from intense episodes of scratching may be noticed on the scalps of small children, or in the groin or waist area of older children and adults. Bites from lice cause redness and itching as well as tenderness or soreness to the affected area.

5. Matted hair or clumps of hair that appears stuck together is another indication of head lice common in small children.

6. Apply over-the-counter lice treatment products according to instructions found on containers. However, if lice appear in the eyebrows or eyelashes, seek the advice of a health professional for removal options.

Tips & Warnings

• To prevent lice, bathe and shampoo regularly. Avoid sharing combs or hairbrushes.

• Intense scratching may cause infections. Treat any suspected case of lice immediately and avoid sending your child to school until he or she is lice free to prevent spread.