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Does anyone know what kind of bug this is? I just found it on my son’s head… See the first comment

That line is usually the start of a social media post trying to create urgency and push people to “check the comments” for engagement. It’s often used in lice scare posts or other insect-identification bait.

If you actually found a bug on a child’s scalp, here’s the real way to think about it:


Most common possibility: head lice

Pediculosis capitis (head lice) is the most likely concern when a small bug is found on the scalp.

What lice look like:

  • Tiny (about sesame seed size)
  • Grayish or brown
  • Move quickly through hair
  • Eggs (nits) look like white/yellow specks stuck to hair shafts

Common signs:

  • Itchy scalp (especially behind ears or neck)
  • Scratching
  • Feeling of “something moving” in hair

Other possibilities

Not every bug on the head is lice:

  • Fleas (more likely if there are pets; they jump)
  • Ants or small insects (random contact from outdoors)
  • Dandruff or debris mistaken for eggs

What to do right away

  • Check scalp under bright light
  • Use a fine-tooth lice comb on wet hair
  • Look for nits stuck firmly to hair (they don’t flick off easily)
  • Wash bedding, hats, and pillowcases in hot water
  • Avoid panic—lice are common in school-age children and not dangerous

When to confirm with a doctor or pharmacist

  • If you find multiple live insects or eggs
  • If itching persists despite treatment
  • If you’re unsure what you’re seeing

Bottom line

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