Head Lice Screening Options | Let’s Be PALS

Head lice are tiny, parasitic insects that live in human hair, while nits are their egg cases attached to hair strands. Lice infestations are common, especially among school-aged children between 4-11 years old. While lice don’t pose serious health risks, they can be irritating, cause itching, and may persist if left untreated.

If you’re unsure whether you or your child has lice, this guide will help you understand the signs and screening options.

Why Are Head Lice Hard to Detect?

Head lice are incredibly small, making them difficult to spot even with a close inspection. Adult lice (called lice in plural or a louse in singular) are grayish-brown or whitish in color, ranging in size from a pinhead to a sesame seed.

Nits (lice eggs) are even smaller, often mistaken for dandruff or hair product residue. Unlike dandruff, nits cling firmly to hair shafts and won’t brush away easily.

Do Lice Cause Itching?

The most common symptom of head lice is itching, caused by an allergic reaction to lice bites. However, the itchiness might not start immediately—some people don’t experience symptoms for up to six weeks after the initial infestation.

Other Signs of Lice

• Tickling Sensation: Feeling like something is crawling on your scalp or in your hair.
• Visible Nits: Tiny, white objects stuck to the hair close to the scalp. These nits won’t come off with regular brushing or washing.
• Irritated Scalp: Redness or small sores caused by scratching.

How to Be Sure You Have Lice

The only definitive way to confirm a lice infestation is to find a live louse. This requires combing through the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb and inspecting the scalp under bright light.

At Let’s Be PALS, our trained professionals use specialized tools and techniques to perform thorough head checks. This ensures accurate identification of lice or nits before beginning treatment.

Checking for Lice at Home

If you want to check for lice at home, follow these steps:

1. Wet the Hair: This slows down lice movement, making them easier to spot.
2. Use a Fine-Toothed Comb: Part the hair into sections and comb carefully from scalp to ends.
3. Shine a Bright Light: Look closely for small brown insects moving around or nits that appear cemented to individual hair strands.

While a home check can be helpful, distinguishing lice from dandruff or other debris can be tricky. If you’re unsure, a professional lice check is the best option.

Schedule a Professional Lice Check

At Let’s Be PALS, we specialize in lice identification and treatment. Our trained professionals can quickly confirm whether you or your child has lice and provide safe, non-toxic treatment solutions. We take the stress out of dealing with lice so you can feel confident and lice-free in no time!

Contact Let’s Be PALS today at 757-769-8639 or visit letsbepals.com to schedule a professional lice screening or learn more about our effective treatment options.