It is important to recognize a lice infestation. These are brown or grayish insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. If you experience frequent itching and notice small black bugs in the sink when you wash your hair, contact a doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Check for Head Lice or Eggs
Step 1. Use a fine-toothed comb specially designed to look for live lice
They are very fast and avoid light, so you will need a comb with very narrow teeth to find them.
- You can examine the head with both dry and wet hair. In the latter case, wash them with shampoo and conditioner, then dry them before combing them.
- For effective control with the fine-toothed comb, follow these steps:
- Use a regular brush to detangle your hair.
- Use a fine-toothed comb by starting combing from the front half of the scalp.
- Comb your hair from root to tip, checking the comb after each stroke.
- Repeat the process all over your head.
- If you have very thick hair, it is worth checking it out after washing it. Also use conditioner or a tablespoon of olive oil to make it easier to get the comb through your hair.
Step 2. Search for eggs at the root of the hair using the same technique
The eggs do not move, so it will be easier to notice them. Pay attention to the area behind the ears and the nape of the neck.
Step 3. Use a magnifying glass to identify lice
Sometimes, it happens to confuse dandruff and dirt for lice.
Step 4. If you find lice or eggs, be sure to use a treatment to get them out
Follow these steps:
- Try an over-the-counter anti-lice lotion or shampoo. Generally, the active ingredient contained is 1% permethrin. Apply the product following the directions on the package, wait 8 to 12 hours and then look for lice again.
- Try a prescription lice lotion or shampoo. In case the over-the-counter products don't work, see your doctor for a specific shampoo. Could contain 0.5% disease. Generally, it is necessary to apply the product and let it act on the hair for 12 hours.
- Make sure the infestation doesn't spread:
- Immediately wash all clothes and linens with boiling water.
- Eliminate lice or eggs that have fallen from the head of the infested person
- Do not share clothes, especially hats or head accessories.
- A prescription for lice treatments is not always necessary. Generally, over-the-counter products are sufficient.
- Adult lice are darker in color when attacking dark-haired people.
-
Prevention is better than cure. Follow these steps to avoid a head lice infestation:
- Vacuum floors and furniture, especially in rooms where a person with lice has stayed or slept. In any case, re-infection is unlikely due to lice or eggs that have fallen off someone's head, clothing or furniture.
- Avoid contact with rugs, sofas, beds, pillows, and stuffed animals touched by people who have lice.
- Do not share clothing, such as coats, sports uniforms, hair ties, hats, scarves, or barrettes.
- Do not use insecticide sprays or fumigants, as they are toxic when inhaled or absorbed by the skin. They are not used to control the infestation.
Method 2 of 2: Check for Symptoms
Step 1. Head lice cause a tickling or itchy sensation in the head
Generally, it is the most obvious symptom. Humans are allergic to the saliva injected by lice (in very small quantities) when they suck blood. If you feel intense itching on your scalp, check your head.
Step 2. Check for scratches on the scalp
You will have caused them when you scratch yourself. Bacteria on the scalp could infect the scratches.
Step 3. Look for small bumps on the scalp
They are caused by the bite of lice when they suck blood. They could become infected or form scabs.
