You may find out if you have head lice. Head lice are grayish-brown insects that live on your scalp and feed on blood. Get medical help for a checkup if you have frequent itching and also notice tiny lice coming out of your hair when you feel itchy.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Checking for Lice and Lice Eggs
Step 1. Use a fine-toothed lice comb to help identify the head lice that reside on your head
Head lice move quickly and avoid light, so a fine-toothed comb will be useful for a thorough examination.
- You can check for lice with dry or wet hair. If you're checking with wet hair, wash and condition your hair before checking your hair with a comb.
- To check your hair with a fine-toothed comb, use the following steps:
- Use a regular brush to untangle frizzy hair
- Switch to a fine-toothed comb and start combing the center of the front of the scalp
- Comb the hair from the roots to the tips of the hair, checking the comb in each stroke
- Do this action all over your head
- People with thick hair may want to look for head lice after washing their hair. If so, use a conditioner, or a tablespoon of olive oil, to make the lice comb run more easily through your hair.
Step 2. Locate the eggs (lice eggs) at the base of the hair shaft using the same technique
The nits don't move, so they will be easier to see. Pay close attention to the area behind the ears and near the base of the neck when checking for nits.
Step 3. Use a magnifying glass to more easily identify head lice
Sometimes we mistake dandruff and dirt for lice.
Step 4. If you find lice or nits, be sure to treat anyone who shows signs of lice
You can handle it in the following way:
- Try an over-the-counter lotion or shampoo. The main ingredient is often 1% permethrin. Apply shampoo lotion as directed, wait 8 to 12 hours and then recheck for active lice.
- Try a strong prescription lotion or shampoo. You can be prescribed 0.5% malathion if your regular lotion or shampoo doesn't have the desired effect. The lotion should be left in the hair for 12 hours.
- Make sure the lice don't spread:
- Wash all clothes and bedding in hot water immediately
- Get rid of all the lice and eggs that you have removed from the person's hair
- Don't share clothes, especially things like hats worn on the head
Method 2 of 2: Checking for Symptoms
Step 1. Look for symptoms such as a tingling or itching feeling in your hair
It is indeed similar to reality. Humans are allergic to the saliva (in very small amounts) that ticks inject into the skin to draw blood. If you experience intense itching in the area of your scalp, check it for lice.
Step 2. Look for any head injuries caused by scratching
These sores can sometimes become infected by bacteria that are normally found on a person's skin.
Step 3. Look for small red bumps on the scalp
These bumps appear due to the presence of lice sucking blood from your scalp. These lumps can be liquid or turn into crusts.
Tips
- Head lice in adults will look darker in color on the heads of people who have dark hair.
- Prescription medication is not always necessary when used to treat lice. Usually what is needed is over-the-counter medicines at drugstores.
- Prevention is the best treatment. The following steps will help you to avoid head lice infestation:
- Vacuum up furniture and floors, especially in areas where people with lice sit or sleep. However, it is not possible for lice or nits to attack again if they have fallen off their heads or crawled on furniture or clothing.
- Avoid contact with carpets, sofas, beds, pillows, or stuffed animals made of fabric that have been in contact with people with fleas.
- Do not share clothing such as suits, sports uniforms, hair bands, hats, scarves, or hair clips.
- Do not use insect repellent sprays or fogging which may be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. These ingredients are not needed to control head lice.
