Do I Have Lice?

Do you have an intense itching on the scalp, body or in the genital area?

Do you have an uncontrollable need to scratch?

Do you have small red bumps or sores on your scalp, neck, shoulders, or pubic area from scratching?

Do you have difficulty sleeping due to itching?

Do you feel like something is crawling on your hair or scalp?

Do you have visible lice on your scalp, body, clothes, pubic or other body hair (light-brown sesame seeds crawling on the hair, skin, or clothing)?

Did you find lice eggs in your hair (the eggs are yellow or brown and are about the size of a needle's head, they look like they're stuck to your hair)?

Do you have bite marks especially around the waist, groin, thighs and pubic areas?

Do you have swollen lymph nodes in the neck?

Do you have pink eye (conjunctivitis – red, itchy eyes)?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have lice. Lice are tiny insects that feed on human blood. They are easily spread from one person to another by close contact and sharing personal items. There are different types of lice that can affect various parts of the human body. Lice can infest the head, body or the pubic area (“crabs”). Lice infestation is a common, usually harmless problem, but, if not treated properly, it can become a recurrent condition. People with good personal hygiene can also get lice. Head lice infestation is common in schools, affecting millions of school children in the US each year.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have lice. Lice are a type of insects called a parasite. Lice need a human blood to survive. Head lice can be found on your scalp, the area behind the ears, your eyebrows and eyelashes. Body lice actually live on bedding and clothing that comes in contact with your skin, while pubic lice affect your genital area. There are three forms of lice: nits (lice eggs), nymphs and adult lice. The nits are tiny and firmly attached to the hair. They can often be confused with dandruff. Nymphs and adult lice move quickly and avoid light.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have lice. Lice are parasites that feed on human blood. The main symptom of lice infestation is intense itching in the affected area. Sometimes, if you scratch a lot, ulcers can form on the skin that can lead to infection. Lice treatment involves the use of various medications that your doctor will prescribe, and which you must use exactly as instructed. Otherwise, redness and irritation may occur. Treatment includes shampoos and creams, and removal of nits from the hair and eyelashes. Thorough washing or dry cleaning of clothes and bedding is also required.