Common Signs Of Head Lice

Nits On The Hair Follicles

A nit is a term used for a louse egg. Nits on hair follicles may be seen faster than the live lice. They appear as small tan, brown, or yellow dots, and in the beginning, the nits may be mistaken for dandruff, though they do not comb or brush out of hair easily. Should there be a concern of lice, but live lice cannot be seen, you might see nits, which are very firmly attached to the hair shaft near the scalp. Nits use the warmth from the scalp until it is time to hatch. After the nits hatch, the shell remains firmly attached to the hair shaft as the hair grows.

Continue reading to reveal another sensation that may indicate the presence of head lice.

Tickling Around The Head

Adult lice and baby lice, also known as nymphs, create a tickling sensation around the head. Lice do not fly, though they do crawl around the head to lay eggs and feed, thus spreading the infestation. Tickling around the head is mainly felt at night because lice are nocturnal and more active during the night. In some cases, the tickling is not felt at the beginning of infestation because it takes nymphs one to two weeks to hatch. Do not attempt to blow dry the hair as this could spread lice to other individuals in the home. Should the lice get forced into the air, they only live two to three days without the host.

Continue reading for more signs of head lice.