Some people believe that with winter comes the end of lice infestations. This is not the case, as lice infestations can occur all year round.
They especially occur during the winter as children are more likely to share beanies, scarves or come into close contact with other children. These are key areas where lice can be transferred from person to person.
Some people even mistake lice infestations for dandruff. In winter the skin can become dry and dehydrated and start to flake off. Both lice infestations and dandruff present with ‘flake like’ looking particles in the hair and both cause the scalp to become itchy and inflamed. It is for this reason that dry scalp/dandruff can look like a lice infestation. Here are two tips to identify if you have lice a lice infestation or just dandruff:
Firstly, peruse the ‘flakes’
Is it located all over the scalp or only certain parts of the hair? Lice inhabit areas of the hair that are humid and warm. They hide behind the ears and the neck, where the blood vessels lie superficial to the skin. This creates the perfect warm environment for lice to live in. If the ‘flaking’ is located in this area and not over the whole head then it is a good indication that you have a lice infestation.
Secondly, do you see ‘flakes’ on your clothing?
Dandruff or dry scalp usually affects the whole head and moults off as you move. You will often see the dead skin cells falling off the hair onto your shoulders and clothing. Lice adhere to the hair with a singular claw. They are extremely difficult to remove and require a specific type of comb in order to remove them. You will not see the lice on your clothing or personal items.
Most importantly, if you look at the ‘flake’ in detail, preferably with a magnifying glass, you will see that lice have a distinct body that cannot be confused with dead skin cells. Lice are brown to dark red in colour and have 6 legs with a singular claw on each leg.
If you find that you do have a lice infestation, look to Paranix to remove the lice. Paranix is proven to remove 100% of nits as well as lice. It is as easy as spraying or washing your hair. No mess or fuss.
