Chapter 1: Clinical Overview
The most common symptom of head lice is itching – the itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the lice bites, which make the skin red and irritated.
Other symptoms include a tickling feeling on the scalp, sores caused by scratching and difficulty sleeping.
You can see lice and nits (eggs) if you look closely at the head and scalp. They like warmth so are commonly found around the ears and back of the neck.
Nits look like tiny white dots attached firmly to the hair and they cannot be brushed or flicked off.
You may see a fine black powder (lice faeces) or pale grey lice skins on the pillow.
Note: Just an itchy scalp or even the presence of nits does not necessarily indicate active infestation – live, moving lice must be found to confirm an active infestation of head lice.
How to check for head lice and nits:
Wet the hair and comb conditioner through the whole head using a head lice comb.
Comb hair thoroughly in small sections. Check every part of the head and check each section several times because lice can crawl quite quickly between sections.
Wipe the conditioner off the comb onto a white cloth, paper towel or tissue.
Look for signs of live lice and nits, which will make a ‘popping’ sound when crushed between your fingernails.
Apply a lice treatment if you see any signs of live lice.