Head Lice Signs and Symptoms

Photo of male head louse 

Credit Gilles San MartinCCBY-SA2.0   

Does your head itch and you feel the need to scratch. Read on to learn more about head lice signs and symptoms of an infestation taking root. Millions of people feel the effects of a louse infection each year. These are most commonly spread through some sort of contact with another person who is infected.

What are Head Lice? 

Head lice are very small creatures that move around by crawling and attaching themselves and their eggs on your hair. They are very difficult to see, since even the adult louse does not usually get larger than 2 to 3 mm in length. Typically the lice infestation takes root in the scalp. This is also called 'pediculosis'.

A scalp infestation of lice is generally an experience that can be treated and dealt with in a timely manner. But, it can be a nuisance, since the itching and scratching can feel non-stop until effectively treated.

The adult head lice will generally die off over time, but an important issue is that the female louse parasite can lay several new louse eggs each day, that are attached to your hair. If they are not treated it can be a very 'itchy' and drawn out ordeal.

When you view photos or pictures of the parasitic infestation, or see them on the scalp up close, there are three common names for the parasite. Depending upon the stage of development, the louse may be called:

• nit
• nymph
• adult louse

The nit is the egg that is probably attached to a hair strand. The nymph is a newly hatched louse.

Head Lice Signs and Symptoms:   

A person with an infestation of these parasites may experience some or all of the following symptoms or signs of pediculosis.

• itching of the scalp
• feel like something crawling on your scalp and in your hair
• red areas on scalp from scratching
• sores on the scalp from scratching

Pediculosis Treatment Options:  

Your doctor or pharmacist can guide you to an appropriate treatment option for yourself or child and there are a variety of the treatments available on the market today.

1. Non prescription shampoos and lotions. ( Discuss with your pharmacist )
2. Prescription medications. ( See your doctor )

Make sure to use as directed by your doctor, pharmacist and product label.

• How to keep head lice from coming back.

Male Head Louse Photo:


Image of the Developmental Stages of Head Lice:  

The image shows louse developmental stages and life cycle. Credit: CDC

If you think that you or a family member may be experiencing this parasite in the hair and scalp, make sure to see your doctor, or professional healthcare provider right away. They will be able to guide you in the appropriate direction for the type of medication or treatment that will help to eradicate the lice from your body.

Resources:
• www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000840.htm     
• www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html