You might think that head lice would involve massive itching and be easy to diagnose. But that's not the case for all people. And it can take some time, with other symptoms developing, before you realize you need to treat head lice. Since an infestation can spread rapidly through a family or to your roommates, it's best to identify the symptoms as early as possible so that you can start treatment.
Step 1
Experience itching as an allergic response to the saliva in a louse bite. While this doesn't happen to all people--about one person in three, according to embarrassingproblems.com--it is usually most extreme near the nape and around the ears. It can be weeks, however, before some people experience this symptom.
Step 2
Note the movement of an adult louse. This can be difficult with dry hair, as lice move away from areas of movement. Wash and brush your hair. Then put in conditioner. Using a fine-toothed lice comb, available at most drugstores, section your hair and comb each section. Use a tissue to wipe the comb every third stroke or so to see whether an adult louse is caught on the comb.
Step 3
Check for nits. Nits are the eggs left by the adult louse. They typically stick to the base of the hair shaft and are white. Don't confuse the end of a pulled out hair as a nit; nits are oval-shaped.
Step 4
Find black specks on a pillow. This might be evidence of lice feces.
Step 5
Observe a rash. This is typically a combination of bites and allergic response to saliva and is most commonly found behind your ears or at the hairline at the base of your scalp.
Things You'll Need
- Lice comb
- Conditioner
- Tissue
