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Early stages of a head lice infestation are often marked by itching, particularly behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
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Nits, or lice eggs, are small and oval, often yellowish or tan, and can be difficult to spot against the hair.
A tickling sensation or feeling of movement in the hair can also be an early sign.
Early Symptoms:
Itching:
The most common early symptom is itching, especially behind the ears and at the back of the neck.
Tickling or crawling sensation:
Some people feel a tickling or crawling sensation in their hair.
Sores from scratching:
Excessive scratching can lead to sores on the scalp, which can become infected.
Nits (lice eggs):
Nits are small, oval-shaped eggs that attach to the hair shaft close to the scalp.
They may be yellowish, tan, or white.
What to look for:
- Nits vs. Dandruff: Nits stick to the hair and are difficult to remove, while dandruff is easily flicked off.
- Visual Inspection: Part the hair and look closely for nits near the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Fine-toothed comb: A fine-toothed nit comb can help you identify and remove nits.
- Professional help: If you're unsure, consult with a doctor or school nurse.
This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
7 days ago · Itching is the most common symptom of head lice. People who have head lice for the first time may not feel itchy right way. It can take 4 to 6 ...
People also ask
What is one of the first signs of head lice?
Itching (pruritus) is the most common symptom of head lice infestation. It is caused by an allergic reaction to louse bites. It may take four to six weeks for itching to appear the first time a person has head lice.
Jun 4, 2024
What do the beginning stages of head lice look like?
What Lice Nymphs Look Like. An immature louse is called a nymph. The nymphs look the same as the adult lice, but they are smaller. A nymph is around the size of a pinhead.
How long before you notice you have head lice?
The most common symptom of head lice is itching on the scalp, neck and ears. This is an allergic reaction to louse bites. When a person has head lice for the first time, itching may not occur for 4 to 6 weeks.
6 days ago
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May 29, 2025 · Head lice have a three-stage life cycle. They begin as nits, hatch and become nymphs, and become full-sized adults within weeks.
The life cycle of the head louse has three stages: egg, nymph, and adult louse. Nits are lice eggs. They are hard to see and are often confused for dandruff or ...
Head lice and nits are very common in young children and their families. They are not caused by dirty hair and are picked up by head-to-head contact.
Sep 26, 2022 · However, it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks after lice get on the scalp before the scalp becomes sensitive to the lice saliva and begins to itch.
Jun 4, 2024 · It may take four to six weeks for itching to appear the first time a person has head lice. Other symptoms may include the following: A tickling ...
The earliest and most common symptom of a head lice infestation is itching, particularly in the area behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
Head lice eggs are white, yellowish, tan or brown. You can find them close to your scalp. They're tiny and might look like dandruff, but they don't come off ...
Adult lice are no bigger than a sesame seed and are grayish-white or tan. Nymphs are smaller and become adult lice about 1–2 weeks after they hatch. This life ...