Most lice are transmitted when an infested person comes into direct contact with other individuals. For example, when children sleep together, enough time is provided for a louse to walk from head to head. Lice and their eggs can also be transferred via infested brushes, combs, caps, hats, scarves, coats, bedding, towels, upholstered furniture, and sponge earpieces on headphones. With a bright light, carefully inspect your child's scalp. A magnifying glass is very helpful.
Viable nits are yellowish to gray, darkening to a tan or coffee color as they mature.
Empty egg casings are yellow or beige to white. A nit can be easily distinguished from a flake of dandruff or a speck of dust because it will stick to the hair. In other words, if what you see can be easily removed, it is not a nit. The itching associated with head lice arises from the allergic reaction caused by lice saliva. Some people may not experience itching for several weeks.