Signs of Head Lice

Due to their small size (usually less than 3 mm long), head lice can be difficult to spot. The images below show a head louse in blonde hair and nits in dark hair. If these were the other way round, both would be more difficult to spot.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice-and-nits/

Some patients report having an itchy scalp, a rash on the back of their neck or feeling as though something is moving in their hair but these are not necessarily indicators of head lice infestation. Some people will experience itching as a response to thinking or reading about head lice, this is psychosomatic and not a sign of infestation.

The most reliable way to be sure someone has head lice is to use detection combing. This involves using a special fine-toothed comb to search for live lice. Ideally the teeth should be spaced 0.2 – 0.3 mm apart for removing head lice but a finer comb may be needed for removing the eggs and nits. If live lice are found this confirms that the person has a head louse infestation and requires treatment.

Numark Head Lice and Nit Comb 6792493