Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of lice include:

• Intense itching on the scalp, body or in the genital area.
• Tickling feeling from movement of hair.
• Lice on your scalp, body, clothing, or pubic or other body hair. Adult lice may be about the size of a sesame seed or slightly larger.
• Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts. Nits may be difficult to see because they're very tiny. They're easiest to spot around the ears and the nape of the neck. Nits can be mistaken for dandruff, but unlike dandruff, they can't be easily brushed out of hair.
• Sores on the scalp, neck and shoulders. Scratching can lead to small red bumps that can sometimes get infected with bacteria.
• Bite marks especially around the waist, groin, upper thighs and pubic area.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you suspect a lice infestation. Things often mistaken for nits include:

• Dandruff
• Residue from hair products
• Bead of dead hair tissue on a hair shaft (hair cast)
• Scabs, dirt or other debris
• Other small insects found in the hair