Wondering if your child has lice? Before treating with any lice treatment product, you need to confirm that lice are in fact in your child’s hair.

When should I check?

With a first case of head lice, your child may not feel itchy for up to 6 weeks. While some children may have difficulty sleeping and be irritable because they’re so itchy, others experience no symptoms at all. Because symptoms vary from person to person, make sure you’re checking for lice frequently if there’s an outbreak at your child’s school or camp. Plus, it’s helpful to keep in mind that adults can also get lice. Checking for lice in anyone in your household who has an itchy scalp can give you peace of mind.

What to check for when you’re checking for lice:

  • Adult lice are tiny tan, brown, or gray insects about the size of a sesame seed. They have 6 legs with claws which allows them to attach tightly to hair
  • Nits (lice eggs) are easier to spot because they’re firmly attached to the hair and close to the scalp. They are yellow to white in color and are about the same size as poppy seeds. Even though they look like dandruff or hairspray droplets, they’re hard to remove

Where should I check for lice, and what can I use to check for them?

You’ll want to be checking for lice in a room with bright light and be prepared with the following household items:

  • Paper towel or tissue
  • A comb—bonus points for a wide-toothed comb
  • A magnifying glass. If you don’t have one handy, see if you can use the zoom lens on your cellphone if you find anything while combing

The step-by-step guide to checking for lice:

STEP 1: Lift a 1- to 2-inch section of hair, starting as close to the scalp as possible, and slowly comb through this section of hair to the end. Wipe off the comb with a tissue or paper towel and inspect with a magnifying lens to identify any objects you may find.

STEP 2: Pin back this section of hair and continue combing through another 1- to 2-inch section, repeating this step until the entire head has been checked for nits (lice eggs). Be sure to look carefully around the ears and back of the neck, where lice are commonly found.

STEP 3: If no lice eggs are found, do not treat. Carefully reinspect your child and other members of your household members daily for at least two weeks following a suspected lice exposure.

If you do find lice and/or lice eggs, treat hair with any of our RID lice treatment kits. RID® is a pediatrician-recommended brand with clinically tested lice treatment products that are effective on even the most stubborn super lice.