Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Checking for Lice and Nits
• Method 2 of 2: Identifying Symptoms
• Tips
• Warnings

Head lice are grayish insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. Anyone can get them, but the main risk group is children attending kindergarten or school. Most often, infection begins with less than a dozen lice, but then they multiply. If you experience an itchy scalp very often, check to see if you have these parasites. You may even see them in your hair yourself, without any help.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Checking for Lice and Nits

1. 1 Use a fine-toothed comb to spot lice. Lice move quickly and avoid light, and hide closer to the scalp, making them difficult to see through the hair. A fine-toothed comb will help you examine your hair thoroughly, as the lice will get stuck in it and you can see them.
   • You can check both dry and wet hair for lice. If you are testing wet hair, wash it with shampoo and conditioner first, then comb through it with a comb.
   • First, comb your hair with an ordinary brush, then take a comb with fine teeth and start combing the hair closer to the forehead.
   • Comb your hair from roots to ends, and examine it after each stroke. Continue until you have checked all the hair.
   • People with thicker hair may find it more convenient to check for lice after shampooing. In this case, use a conditioner or one tablespoon of olive oil, which will make it easier to comb your hair with a frequent comb.
2. 2 Look for nits (head lice eggs) at the roots of your hair. Nits do not move, so they will be easier to spot than adult insects. Pay particular attention to the area behind the ears and where the back of the head meets the neck.
   • Nits look like small white grains attached to the hair shaft.
3. 3 Use a magnifying glass to help identify lice. Lice can sometimes be mistaken for dandruff or dirt. An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed and can be easily seen with the naked eye. Look for small wingless insects that are gray or brown in color.
4. 4 If you find lice or nits, you need to get rid of. First try a head lice lotion or shampoo available over the counter at any pharmacy. The active ingredient is usually permethrin (at a concentration of 1%). Use the lotion or shampoo as directed, wait 8-12 hours, then check your head again for active lice.
   • The treatment may have to be repeated after 7 days.
5. 5 If regular anti-lice shampoo doesn't work, try a stronger remedy your doctor prescribes. If over-the-counter medications are not working, you may be given a 0.5% malathion solution. This is a strong insecticide, so do not use it without a specialist advice. It will need to be left on the hair for 12 hours and then rinsed thoroughly with water and shampoo.
   • It may be best to apply it before bed and leave it on your hair overnight.
6. 6 Take steps to keep lice from spreading. Head lice are easily transmitted, so take steps to prevent further infestation. Wash all clothing and bedding immediately in hot water and destroy any nits and lice that you comb out of your hair.
   • Don't share clothes, especially hats, brushes and hair accessories.

Method 2 of 2: Identifying Symptoms

1. 1 Pay attention to scalp itching and tingling. People are usually allergic to lice saliva, which they inject into their skin to keep blood from clotting. If you experience intense itching of your scalp, get tested for lice.
   • Although itching is the most common symptom of a lice infestation, some people have no symptoms at all.
2. 2 Look for scalp sores caused by fingernail scratching. These sores are sometimes infected with bacteria present on human skin.
3. 3 Look for small red blisters on your scalp. They arise from lice bites and may fester or crust over.
   • Some develop a rash on the back of the neck.

Tips

• Adult lice will be darker if the person has dark hair.
• Medicines used to fight head lice do not always require a prescription. As a rule, over-the-counter products are sufficient.
• Never take or share clothing, obscene uniforms, hair bands, hats, scarves or hairpins to a person who has lice. If you don't know for sure, it's best not to share these things with anyone at all.
• Vacuum floors and furniture, especially where the infected person sat or slept. However, re-infestation with lice or nits that have fallen off the head and caught on furniture or clothing is unlikely.
• Avoid contact with carpets, sofas, beds, pillows, stuffed animals that have been in contact with an infected person.
• Do not use insect spray fumigators, which can be toxic if inhaled or in contact with the skin. Against lice, they are completely unnecessary and only harm you.

Warnings

• Itching is common as a result of a lice infestation. Be careful not to scratch your skin too much to avoid damaging it.