How can a child's head be checked for lice? - briefly
Wet the hair, section it, and run a fine‑tooth lice comb from scalp to ends, wiping the comb after each pass and inspecting it for live insects or nits attached within 1 mm of the scalp. Repeat across the entire head, especially behind the ears and at the nape, and discard any found lice.
How can a child's head be checked for lice? - in detail
Inspecting a child’s scalp for lice requires a systematic approach, proper tools, and consistent follow‑up.
First, gather a fine‑toothed comb designed for lice detection, a bright light source, a white towel or disposable paper, and a pair of gloves if preferred. Prepare a clean, well‑lit area where the child can sit comfortably, such as a kitchen table or a bathroom counter.
Begin by separating the hair into sections. Use clips or hair ties to divide the scalp into four quadrants: front, back, left side, right side. Starting at the crown, pull a small section away from the skin and run the comb from the scalp outward to the hair tips. After each pass, wipe the comb on the towel or paper to capture any insects or eggs. Continue this process for every section, ensuring the comb reaches the scalp at each pass.
Key points during the examination:
- Examine the nape of the neck and behind the ears, as lice favor warm, hidden regions.
- Look for live insects, which appear as brownish, wingless bodies about 2–3 mm long.
- Identify nits (eggs) attached firmly to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp; they are oval, white or yellowish, and do not slide easily when the hair is tugged.
If any lice or nits are found, repeat the combing procedure on the same area at least three times to remove additional specimens. After the inspection, discard the used towel or paper, clean the comb with hot, soapy water, and wash the child’s clothing and bedding in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) to prevent reinfestation.
A single examination may miss early infestations. Conduct a follow‑up check 7–10 days after the initial inspection, repeating the combing process in the same manner. Continue weekly examinations for three weeks to confirm elimination, as the life cycle of the parasite can produce new hatches within this period.
Document findings by noting the number of live lice and nits observed, the locations examined, and the date of each check. This record assists in monitoring treatment effectiveness and guides decisions about further interventions.