Head lice are a very common condition among children in elementary and middle school. Every year, there is about 6 to 12 million children get lice. These tiny creatures cause uncomfortable feeling and they also affect the scalp. Head lice work at night, and they can spread from your child to you. So you and your child could lose sleep over it. How to tell if you have lice? Let’s see.
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What Are Lice?
They are tiny insects that live on human hair. Sometimes they are called parasites. They can spread from a person to others by personal contact or sharing belongings. Especially, children are highly likely to catch and spread lice. In fact, lice can’t make you sick or spread diseases. They are also not a sign that you are dirt. You think these pesky creatures can fly or jump. No, they only crawl to the closest head. Or they also spread onto combs, pillows, hats, rugs, etc.
Three main types of lice:
– Head lice can be found on the scalp, neck, and ears. Have you ever seen head lice and what do head lice look like? It looks like a tiny and white speck in the hair. They come in with six tiny legs that allow it to cling to the scalp. Their food is human blood. Each of them is about a sesame seed, about 2 to 3 millimeters long.
– Pubic lice, also called crabs, are on pubic hair and skin. They affect your genital area.
– Body lice can be found in clothing or in beds. They will crab from these locations to the skin and other areas of the body.
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Symptoms of Head Lice
Itching feelings tell you might have lice on your head
How to know if you have lice by yourself? Itching is the most common problem that can start weeks or even months after the lice move in the head. When these tiny insects bite you, it causes the itching. This uncomfortable feeling occurs for 3-6 weeks after you get head lice. However, not only head lice cause the itchiness. Many other common reasons such as scab and dandruff also make the scalp itch.
If you get the hair dreadlock, please keep it clean and fresh to prevent head lice and itching. Use dry shampoo products if you don’t want to wet the hair regularly.
You have lice eggs or nits
To know if you have lice, you should check if there is something looking yellow or white on the hair. Head lice are usually found staying close to the scalp and ears. Like other animals, female lice also lay eggs. It lays 6 to 8 eggs per day and their quantities spread from there. Nits are very tiny so it is hard to see. They are in oval shapes are the same as your hair color. Lice eggs stick like glue to the hair strands. Many people often confuse them with dandruff.
The tickling feeling on the head
It is a clear way to check yourself for lice. You may feel like something like bugs is crawling on your scalp, your head. The tiny creatures can make the sensation of something moving on your skin. If you are worried your children have head lice, ask them if they become aware of the tickling sensation.
Red bumps or sores on the scalp by lice bitten, scratching
If your family members or you have head lice, you might see this symptom. Sores and red bumps on the head. Be careful as these sores can be infected with bacteria. Visit your doctor for treatment with antibiotics if this becomes the case.
Someone near you have head lice
How to tell if you have lice or dandruff? You have recently been in contact with someone with head lice, you should have a scalp check. Don’t wait until you feel itchy. Or you can use lice comb to brush head lice out of your hair.
How To Kill And Prevent Lice?
Once you have known how to check for lice, you should learn how to protect your family members from head lice.
Use products to get rid of lice
It is difficult to keep the spread of these tiny insects among children in the school settings. But parents can use some products to repel lice if your child gets them. Use products that contain natural ingredients and plant oils like olive, coconut, tea tree, and so on. These components work well to repel head lice. Opt for products that are certificated by the Food and Drug (FDA) as they are safe, effective and tested to FDA standards.
We can say that lice prevention products are the best way to help you deal with lice and their eggs. Follow the instructions carefully so that you can get rid of these pesky creatures.
In case you buy a wig or topper and notice head lice eggs on it, you can also use these products to remove them.
See other posts:
- Answered: 7 Most Burning Questions About Hair Cuticle
- How To Use Coconut Oil In Hair: 4 Myths Debunked
Consult your doctor
If you are not sure whether you have head lice, visit your doctor to hear what he/she would tell. He/she uses a special light to make these creatures and nits more visible and know whether or not you get lice. You can use home treatments to repel lice, nits, or avoid other symptoms. Wash clothing, pillows, towels. Use the treatments as needed.
Moreover, you can instruct your child not to share hats, coats, or any personal belongings. Minimize head-to-head contact is also a good way to save your child from lice.
To Sum Up
Hopefully, you have your answer to the question “How do I know if I have lice”. Lewigs believes that this post brings you useful stuff so that you can keep your family from head lice. If you are infected head lice, talk to your doctor about treatments. Or you can change your lifestyles, it may be useful. Opt for a high-quality product that is created for getting rid of lice to treat.
That’s all about how to tell if you have head lice. Lice do not cause any long-term health problems and effects. They cause more annoying feeling than harmful.
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