How To Check For Lice
Feeling itchy but you aren’t sure what’s causing it? It could be lice! These common pests cause problems for millions of families around the U.S. Every year. Head lice do not discriminate and travel quickly around households and through schools, so it is vital that you and your family know how to check yourselves for lice. If you are feeling worried or have concerns about head lice impacting your family, use these tips to help you conduct a lice check.
The Right Tools For The Job
Tools are not required to check for head lice, but having a few of these handy tools laying around can help you conduct a thorough search.
- Flashlights or any good source of light can help you find lice in dark or thick hair.
- Water and detangler are great products to have on hand in the event of a head lice check. The detangler will help you comb through the hair without pulling out knots of hair
- Mirrors are especially useful if you are doing a self-check, allowing you to check the back of your head and behind your ears
- Fine-toothed combs are great for both checking and removing head lice.
- Magnifying glasses are good tools to have as well. Lice are about 3 millimeters in diameter, so having an enlargement device can make them easier to spot.
What to Look For
Head lice are tiny parasites that resemble small ants. These blood suckers are about 3 millimeters in size and appear light brown. Lice change throughout their lives, so there are a few things to look out for. The lice eggs, called nits, are tiny white-gray dots that are firmly attached to the base of the hair. If the egg has yet to hatch, they appear gray, brown, or yellow. Once the eggs hatch, the remaining shells lighten in color, making them easily mistaken for dandruff. The newborn lice are called nymphs and resemble sesame seeds. These nymphs move quickly and avoid light.
Where to Look
Head lice love to hide behind the ears and around the nape of the neck, so be sure to check those spots first. Lice also likes to hide along the hairline and the crown of the head. They prefer to stay close to the scalp for food and warmth, so be sure to get in and check the hair roots.
How to Check for Lice
When you are checking for head lice, it is important to be methodical. If you have long hair, begin by putting it up into several equal sections. Once the hair is split up into groups, you can use your tools to begin the search. Make sure you are in a spot with good lighting and begin your inspection with the mirror and the magnifying glass. Once you’ve finished the initial search, get your hair damp, add the detangler or conditioner, and start combing. In the event that you do discover head lice, it would be a pain to restart the entire process, so we recommend combing as you go. During the combing process, be sure to comb in several directions to get out any stubborn nits. Once the inspection and comb-through are complete, you will know whether or not you have lice.
Find Lice Removal Near You in North Carolina!
If you think you have spotted a nit or louse, don’t panic! Head lice can be difficult to deal with on your own, but we are here to help. Here at Lice Clinics, we can have you lice and nit free after just one appointment. Our signature AirTral device uses heat to get rid of lice in one hour. If you or someone you know is dealing with lice, visit one of our head lice clinics in Matthews, Charlotte, Rock Hill, Monroe, or Pineville, North Carolina, or click the link at the top of the page to request an appointment today!