Dreadlocks, while a distinctive and popular hairstyle, present unique challenges when detecting head lice. Their dense, matted structure makes visual inspection more difficult than with other hair types. Despite this, head lice can infest dreadlocks. This guide will help you identify lice infestation.
Recognizing the Symptoms
A persistent and intense itching of the scalp is often the first indication of a head lice infestation. This itching results from an allergic reaction to the saliva of feeding lice, and it is commonly felt behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. While itching is a primary symptom, it might not appear immediately, especially with a mild infestation.
Beyond itching, individuals might experience a sensation of something crawling on their scalp. Continuous scratching can lead to small red bumps or sores on the scalp. These irritations, combined with persistent itching, can cause irritability and difficulty sleeping, as lice are often more active at night.
Inspecting Dreadlocks for Lice
Inspecting dreadlocks for lice and their eggs requires careful attention and proper tools. Ensure you have excellent lighting, such as natural daylight or a bright lamp, as lice and eggs are tiny and can camouflage with hair. A magnifying glass can be helpful to enlarge any suspicious specks.
To conduct the inspection, work in small sections, gently separating individual dreadlocks. Focus your examination on the scalp closest to the hair roots, particularly behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, as lice thrive and lay eggs in these areas. Visually scan for any movement or tiny specks attached firmly to the hair shafts. While traditional fine-tooth lice combs may not easily penetrate dreadlocks, you can carefully use your fingers or a specialized comb for thick hair to gently separate strands within each dreadlock near the scalp to check for nits. Checking multiple times in different lighting conditions can increase your chances of detection.
Distinguishing Lice from Other Debris
Accurately identifying lice and nits is important, as they can easily be mistaken for common debris such as lint, product buildup, or dandruff. Adult head lice are small, wingless insects, typically about the size of a sesame seed, ranging in color from grayish-white to brownish. They possess six legs and can move quickly across the scalp and hair.
Nits are tiny, oval-shaped specks, roughly the size of a pinhead, and appear yellowish-white or tan. Nits firmly attach to the hair shaft, usually within a quarter-inch of the scalp. Unlike dandruff flakes or lint, which can be easily flicked or brushed off, nits are glued securely to the hair and will not readily detach. If a suspected particle sticks tightly to the hair and requires effort to remove, it is likely a nit. Dandruff, by contrast, consists of loose, irregular flakes of dead skin that readily fall from the scalp.
Initial Actions After Discovery
Should you confirm the presence of lice in dreadlocks, it is helpful to remain calm. The immediate next step involves informing close contacts, such as family members or housemates, so they can also check themselves for an infestation. Head lice are highly contagious and spread through direct head-to-head contact.
For effective treatment options tailored to dreadlocks, consult a healthcare professional or a lice removal specialist. They provide guidance on safe, appropriate methods, as traditional lice combs may not be effective in dreadlocks and some home remedies lack scientific support. Additionally, basic hygiene steps like machine washing bedding, clothing, and hats in hot water (at least 130°F) and drying them on high heat can help prevent reinfestation. Non-washable items can be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.