It’s September, which means head lice season is upon us!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 6 – 12 million infestations happen each year among children between the ages of 3 and 11.
If you’re worried that your child might catch lice this year, here is a list of signs to look out for.
List of Signs of a Lice Infestation
Even as a parent who’s battled multiple waves of lice infestations, there are still things that you might not be aware of like some of the less common signs that indicate an infestation.
–Itchy Scalp… or Not So Itchy Scalp
Triggered by an allergic reaction to the louse’s saliva, itchiness usually starts about 2-6 weeks after your child has contracted lice. If they complain, it might be worth it to have a look.
However, keep in mind that in many cases, children don’t feel any itchiness. You will need to be on the lookout and act immediately if you notice them scratching their head too often.
–Sores from Scratching
Scratching too much or doing it aggressively can often lead to sores. Even though lice don’t carry any disease, the chances of developing painful sores are very real. In worst case scenarios, the sores can contract infections and would need to be treated with antibiotics. If you see any sores at the back of their neck, behind their ears, or on their scalp, it’s likely that they have lice.
–Difficulty Sleeping
If your child complains of itchiness, scalp irritation, tiredness and difficulty sleeping
but can’t put their finger on why, the most possible answer is lice. These bugs like to feed at night and can impact the quality of sleep dramatically. If they wake up exhausted and often don’t feel like going to school, look into it.
–Visible White and Yellow Flakes on the Scalp
Do not mistake these flakes for dandruff. Inspect them with a magnifying glass if you must. If you see any miniscule white or yellow oval dots stuck to the base of the hair shaft, take this as a warning. The lice are here, and they mean business!
What Should You Do Next?
Book an appointment with
Lice Troopers New Jersey!
Our natural lice removal treatments ensure 100% guaranteed results. Give us a call at 732-806-7717 to book an appointment.
