What Are Symptoms of Lice?

Lice are tiny insects that can be found on various parts of the body, including the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes. These insects live on humans and feed on their blood. Lice that live close to the scalp are known as head lice.

You can have a head lice infestation without having any symptoms, which usually happens the first time you have lice or if you don't have a severe infestation.

Not sure if you have lice? The most common symptoms of a head lice infestation are:

  • The most common symptom associated with head lice is itching. This is caused by an allergic reaction to the bites of the head louse. However, it may take some time for itching to develop.
  • Scratching behind the ears or the back of the neck is a sign that you should check for head lice.
  • Scabs or blood spots may be seen
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping since head lice are most active in the dark

References:

http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/gen_info/faqs.html