Does my Child Have Lice?

Head lice are very common among school-aged children, so it’s natural for parents to wonder if the itching or scalp irritation their child is experiencing could be lice. One of the most common signs is frequent scratching of the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck. Lice bites can cause itching and irritation, although some children may not feel itchy right away.

Another sign to look for is nits (lice eggs) attached to the hair near the scalp. Nits are tiny, oval-shaped, and usually white, yellow, or tan. Unlike dandruff, they stick firmly to the hair strand and don’t easily brush away. You may also notice small, moving lice on the scalp, though they can be difficult to see because they move quickly and avoid light.

If you suspect lice, carefully check your child’s hair in bright light using a fine-tooth lice comb (we recommend the LiceGuard Egg & Lice Removal Combing Kit). Part the hair and examine close to the scalp, especially around the ears and the nape of the neck. Early detection can help you address the problem quickly and prevent lice from spreading to other family members.