Head lice are common in kids between three and 12 years old, according to KidsHealth.org. Lice feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp. While they often carry the stigma of poor hygiene, lice can strike any child. Knowing what to look for helps you diagnose lice quickly and begin treatment immediately. A close inspection for lice is particularly important if an outbreak occurs at your child's school or within his group of playmates.
Step 1
Observe your child for signs of itchiness on the head. According to MayoClinic.com, an allergic reaction to the saliva that lice inject during feeding may result in itchy red bumps. Complaints about itchiness from your child are another sign that she might have lice. However, some children do not experience itching, particularly if it is a light, or the first, infestation.
Step 2
Look for small, reddish bumps on the head. According to KidsHealth.org, the bumps may range from mild to a very uncomfortable rash, irritated by the scratching.
Step 3
Position your child in a well-lit room to inspect her hair for nits and lice. Have her sit near a sunny window or near a lamp so you can see her hair well.
Step 4
Lift your child's hair around her ears and near the nape of the neck, the most common locations for lice, according to the Ask Dr. Sears website. Look for small clear or white bugs that move around on the hair shaft and on the scalp. The nits are small white eggs attached to the hair shaft near the scalp.
Step 5
Part the hair on top of the head to look for live lice and nits in that area if you don't see any near the ears and nape of the neck. Part your child's hair in different areas of the head to continue searching.
Step 6
Scrape at the nits with your finger if you're not sure if they are dandruff or lice eggs. Nits are "glued" to the hair shaft so they won't come off easily. If they scrape off easily, they are likely dandruff, especially if there are no visible adult lice.
Tips and Warnings
- Contact your physician if you are still unsure if your child has lice.
