How can a child determine if they have lice on their head? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair shafts, especially behind the ears and at the neckline, for live insects and for tiny, oval, yellow‑brown eggs (nits) attached close to the roots. Use a fine‑tooth comb on damp hair; if you see moving lice or nits that do not easily slide off, infestation is likely.
How can a child determine if they have lice on their head? - in detail
A child can verify the presence of head‑lice by following a systematic inspection. The process should be carried out in good lighting, preferably with a magnifying lens, and on a clean, dry scalp.
First, separate the hair into small sections. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb, starting at the scalp and pulling the comb through each strand toward the tip. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white paper towel or rinse it in water to expose any captured insects or eggs.
Second, examine the comb’s teeth and the paper towel for the following signs:
- Live insects about the size of a sesame seed, moving quickly when disturbed.
- Nits (lice eggs) attached firmly to hair shafts, appearing as oval, translucent or yellowish specks positioned within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Empty egg shells, which are brittle and may crumble when touched.
Third, repeat the combing on both sides of the head, the back, and the nape. Perform the inspection at least twice, with a 24‑hour interval, because newly hatched lice may be missed during the first check.
If any of the above indicators are found, the child should be treated promptly with an approved lice‑removal product or prescription, and the environment should be cleaned to prevent reinfestation. If no evidence appears after thorough examination, the child is unlikely to be infested.