Hair lice, also referred to as head lice, are insects that live in people’s hair and feed off their blood. This condition is rarely dangerous, but many people would like to treat the condition as soon as possible. Although some people can go weeks without noticing the symptoms of head lice, those who know what to look for can recognize the condition much sooner.
Itching
Many people experience intense itching when they have head lice. When lice bite into a person’s scalp to get to the blood, the person’s immune system releases chemicals to attempt to attack the saliva and rid the body of the foreign substance. This causes the itching, explains the Consumer Reports website. Although many people think the symptom of intense itching occurs as soon as lice are present, it may actually take months before the itching begins for some people.
Bites
Although bites are not noticeable to many people, those who know what to look for may be able to spot them. Lice bites are small, round, red and about the size of a pinprick. Bites can also become infected. If this or another infection occurs, crusty and itchy scabs form over the bites.
Nits
Nits are the shells of the lice eggs. People usually find nits close to the scalp, as lice lay their eggs there for warmth and moisture. Nits closely resemble a piece of white dandruff, but will not easily brush off the hair the way flakes of dandruff will.
Lice
The presence of live lice is the main symptom that confirms a case of head lice. Lice move quickly, so they may be difficult to spot. The most common spots to find live lice are behind the ears and along the nape of the neck. Lice are usually about the size of a strawberry seed, but may be up to 1/8 inch in size, according to the Mayo Clinic website. They are typically tan or gray in color.
