How to Spot Lice in Kids

Lice in children is common. Children ages 3 to 12 are usually affected by the parasites, as indicated by Kids Health. Lice spread through close contact and can also spread when children share stuffed toys, pillows, blankets and other personal items. Lice can cause symptoms, such as itching and inflammation of the scalp. While lice don't spread disease, infections can develop if your child scratches her head persistently. Identification of lice can help you treat your child.

Things You'll Need

• Magnifying glass
• Comb

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Instructions

• 1

  Look for nits, which are the eggs of lice. Nits are found close to your scalp and appear yellowish to whitish in color. Recently hatched nits are clear.

• 2

  Check for nymphs, which have recently hatched from eggs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nymphs are a smaller version of adult lice.

• 3

  Look for adult lice. Adult lice have six legs and are brown to gray in color.

• 4

  Brush your child's hair as you use a magnifying glass. Look around your child's ears and around the neckline, where lice and nits are predominant.

• 5

  Ask your child if his head tingles or itches. An itchy, tingly head can be a sign of a lice infestation. Look for red bumps on your child's head, neck and along his shoulders.