Head lice are a common concern, and identifying an infestation early is important. While the presence of live lice or their eggs (nits) confirms an infestation, another indicator is lice poop, often called lice frass. Recognizing this sign helps distinguish an active infestation from other scalp conditions.
The Appearance of Lice Poop
Lice poop typically appears as tiny, dark specks on the scalp or hair. These specks are reddish-brown to black, a direct result of lice feeding on human blood. They resemble small grains of sand or fine pepper.
These fecal deposits are irregular and granular in shape, not perfectly round or uniform. When dry, they can have a powdery or crusty texture. If rubbed or wet, they may smear, leaving a reddish trace due to their blood content.
Common Locations for Lice Poop
Lice poop is most commonly found close to the scalp, as this is where lice feed and reside. The tiny specks often cling to individual hair strands, especially near the roots.
Lice prefer certain areas of the head, making them prime spots to check for fecal matter. These include the hair and scalp behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. Sometimes these droppings may also fall onto pillows or clothing, appearing as a fine, peppery dust.
Differentiating Lice Poop from Other Scalp Debris
Accurately identifying lice poop requires distinguishing it from other common scalp debris, such as dandruff, dirt, or lice eggs (nits). Dandruff typically presents as white or yellowish flakes that are easily brushed away from the hair and scalp, unlike the dark, sticky nature of lice droppings. Dirt or lint found in the hair can also be easily removed and lacks the characteristic dark, blood-derived appearance of lice feces.
Lice eggs, or nits, are oval-shaped, translucent to yellowish-white, and firmly glued to the hair shaft, making them difficult to remove. In contrast, lice poop is irregular, smaller, and can often be dislodged more easily from the hair. A practical way to confirm lice poop is the “smear test”: if a dark speck is placed on a damp white paper towel and smears reddish-brown, it confirms it as lice fecal matter.