How to Identify Lice

Lice are small insects that infect the hairy parts of your body. They may also live on your clothing or furniture. Lice feed on very small amounts of human blood resulting in itching. Head lice are often located on the scalp, but have been known to live in the eyebrows as well. Lice is transmitted through direct contact. Lice can be treated with over-the-counter products, or a special shampoo that your doctor may prescribe. Being able to identify lice is the first step in treating an infestation.

Things You'll Need

• Comb

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Instructions

• 1

  Comb through the person's hair until all of the tangles are out and the hair can be moved around smoothly. It is easier to identify lice if you have someone check your head, and you check others. Make sure the hair is dry. Do not use any products on the hair. Do your search under a bright light.

• 2

  Separate the hair, at the nape of the neck, about one-inch up from the neck. The nape of the neck and behind the ears are favorite spots for lice to feed and lay eggs. You will want to check these locations first, then check the rest of the scalp. Lice will be closer to the scalp, but lice eggs may be about one inch from the scalp on the hair itself.

• 3

  Look for small tan or gray insects crawling on the scalp or between the hair. An adult louse is smaller than a sesame seed. Nymphs are baby lice, which are smaller than the adults and may be harder to spot.

• 4

  Check the hair for lice eggs. The eggs will be located on the hair follicles about one inch from the scalp. Nits, or lice eggs, are very hard to see because they are so small. They are brown or silver in color. To check if something is a lice egg and not dandruff or something else, place both fingers gently on the hair and pull them across the hair. Lice eggs will stick to the hair and do not come off easily. Pulling the egg with more force may release it from the hair.