How to Tell If You Have Lice

Lice are tiny bloodsucking parasites that live in hair, fur and feathers. There are several types of lice that affect humans, including head lice, pubic lice and body lice. The adult lice lay eggs--called nits--that attach to the hair shaft. These nits are often the most visible symptom of a lice infestation, particularly in an individual with dark hair. The most common symptom of a lice infestation is itching. Like a mosquito, lice inject a tiny bit of saliva into the host's skin when they feed; this triggers an allergic reaction that leads to itching.

Things You'll Need

• Lice comb
• Fine-tooth comb
• Mirror
• Bright lighting
• Hair conditioner
• Shower

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine if itching is present on the scalp, pubic region or in any other area where hair is present. Initially, itching can be fairly minor, but once a lice infestation is established, itching can become very intense.

• 2

  Part your hair and using a mirror in a brightly lit room, examine the scalp/underlying skin to look for lice, which will have the appearance of small black flecks. They may not be visible unless the infestation is severe.

• 3

  Look along the length of the individual hairs to search for nits. These egg sacs will look like a small white bubbles, which will be affixed to the hair strands.

• 4

  Examine the skin at the part for signs of redness and irritation. In an individual with a severe infestation, open sores, infection and scabs can develop.

• 5

  Wet your hair in the shower and apply conditioner. The water and conditioner will slow the movement of the lice, making them easier to detect.

• 6

  Run a lice comb (or a flea comb) through your hair and examine the area at the base of the comb teeth for lice (tiny black tick-like insects). Repeat this process for all of your hair or until you detect lice.