Most people are familiar with the basics of lice, knowing that they spread from person to person. It is very common for children to spread the small parasites among themselves, especially in school. They are very small parasites, not so small that they cannot be seen, which typically live on human heads. They survive by creating their homes in the scalp, biting the tender skin and sucking very small amounts of blood from it.
The spreading occurs mainly through head-to-head contact; often happening from hugging or lying down on the same pillow. One adult louse can survive off of a human head for a full day; therefore, they can also be spread by hats or brushes, yet it is less likely. Lice are also known to lay their eggs in the hair of their hosts, starting the cycle again.
1. Itching
When people think of lice, the first thought is usually about the extreme itchiness that it causes to anyone that may have it. Itching is the most telltale sign of lice. The reason that it occurs is because the parasite will bite the skin, causing it to have an allergic reaction. Lice are most commonly found on the scalp, within the hair, and that is where the itchiness will be noticeable.
While this itchiness is the most commonly thought of symptom of lice, it is important to know that sometimes the itchiness may not be noticeable right away. Some people don’t experience itchiness until after the small parasites have been present for some time; this and other symptoms can sometimes take up to six weeks to be present after the infestation begins.
2. Visible Lice
If the small creatures are present in the scalp, they are usually visible to the naked eye with some looking. Each one is about the size of a sesame seed, but they can nearly camouflage their color with the hair, especially if the hair is lighter colored. To spot them, it is best to look around the hairline or behind the ears to find them. Purchasing a lice comb can help dig through the hair, close to the scalp, in order to better detect if the parasites are present. An itchy scalp or even sore skin under the hair can be an indicator that it is time to check for visible lice, as they are usually not seen unless looked for.
3. Lice Eggs Present
An adult louse will lay its eggs, which are called nits, on its host’s head. Like the adults, the nits are minuscule and can take on the color of the host’s hair. The nits are much smaller than the adults, making them even more difficult to spot. An adult louse can lay up to ten eggs a day, accumulating in quite a large population. Typically, egg-laying occurs very near the scalp, usually about an inch away where it is warmest and best for breeding. If visible adults are noticed on the scalp, it is very likely to find the lice eggs present as well.
4. Skin Bumps
As these parasites survive by feeding off of the scalp, it is very common for the occurring allergic reaction to result in skin bumps on the head as well. These bumps are usually small but noticeable, typically are red in color, and can even be a little bit painful especially after scratching. For some people, these skin bumps can be just as bad or worse than the actual itch. The bumps can become incredibly sensitive after a lot of scratching. With the adults and eggs still present, the scalp will continue to be itchy, but the bumps will already be very sensitive, causing painful irritation on the scalp.
5. Bruise-Like Marks
Being bit by these won’t leave you with a normal bruise; it will, however leave marks very similar to bruises that are caused by the bites. Similar to the skin bumps, the bruise-like marks are created by the allergic reaction and the over-scratching. In this case, the marks are caused by small veins or capillaries under the skin that are broken either by the bite or by scratching. This symptom is more common, and noticeable, on body lice as opposed to head lice. The marks will appear flat, and are not as painful as a bruise can usually be. The marks are known to last for some time after the parasites are gone.
6. Tender Lymph Nodes
Tender lymph nodes are more of a complication of head lice than an average symptom, but it is a possible occurrence. Again, this is a secondary symptom but, like the itching or sores, it is caused by the bite of the small parasite. Having tender or swollen lymph nodes is not one of the most common signs of lice, because it is usually caused by having a more serious allergy to the parasite. If this is the case, regular lice removal must be done as in any case, but consulting a doctor or allergy specialist may be necessary as well.
7. Itchy Sores
The presence of the parasite will often lead to the presence of itchy sores on the skin wherever they are present. These sores are one of the common symptoms, and if noticed on the head, it is very important to begin checking for the parasites visually or with a comb. Again, they feed on the scalp by biting it, and the skin has a reaction that is exactly like an allergy. When it happens and the bites become itchy, the small spots are often scratched until they turn into raw sores. Although they continue itching, they can eventually become quite painful as the skin becomes more shredded and irritated.
8. Dandruff
While dandruff and lice have been mistaken for each other in the past, they are two very different afflictions. They do both cause itchiness in the scalp, and are very tiny but visible. It is important to note that dandruff can actually be a symptom of lice, caused by the itchiness. When the scalp is very itchy and is then scratched more often than usual, this can dry out the skin of the scalp. Dandruff comes from having a dry and flaky scalp, which can be a side effect of over-scratching. If it is already present, lice are known to exacerbate it as well.
There are different ways of dealing with lice. Many people use store bought shampoos and treatments, which are very effective. Another popular alternative is heavy use of mayonnaise, spread thickly on the scalp and entire hair to suffocate the lice out. Having lice is of course very stressful, but it is easily diagnosed and, with a good treatment and a few loads of laundry, it can be managed soon after it is found.
