What symptom would most likely indicate a child is experiencing a lice infestation?

Severe itching is the most indicative symptom of a lice infestation in children. This itching is primarily caused by an allergic reaction to the saliva of the lice when they feed on the scalp. The presence of lice can lead to persistent scratching, which may result in secondary infections or other skin irritations.

Other symptoms that may accompany itching include the visual presence of lice or nits in the hair, particularly at the nape of the neck and behind the ears. The other options, such as scaly skin with raised borders, fever, and skin peeling, are not typical signs of lice. These symptoms suggest a different dermatological condition or systemic illness, rather than an infestation of lice. Understanding the characteristics of lice symptoms is vital for proper diagnosis and treatment.