How can I check if I have lice on my head? - briefly
Examine the scalp with a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair, pulling each section from root to tip and looking for live insects or attached eggs. Repeat the inspection every few days for several weeks to confirm the presence of an infestation.
How can I check if I have lice on my head? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice infestation requires a systematic visual and tactile examination of the scalp and hair. The process begins with preparing a well‑lit area, preferably using natural daylight or a bright lamp. A fine‑toothed comb, often marketed as a “lice comb,” should be clean and free of debris before use.
- Separate hair into small sections, approximately one inch wide. Secure each section with a clip or hair tie to prevent overlap.
- Starting at the scalp, run the comb from root to tip in a single, slow stroke. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it in warm water to reveal any captured material.
- Inspect the combed material for live insects, which are about the size of a sesame seed, and for translucent, oval eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts. Nits are typically found within a quarter‑inch of the scalp; their shells appear white or yellowish and are firmly cemented.
- Repeat the combing procedure on all sections, paying particular attention to the nape of the neck, behind the ears, and the crown—areas where lice commonly congregate.
- After completing the combing, examine the scalp directly for signs of irritation, redness, or small bite marks. Persistent itching may accompany an infestation but is not definitive proof.
If live lice or viable nits are observed, the presence of an infestation is confirmed. In the absence of visible insects or eggs after multiple thorough examinations, the likelihood of infestation is low, though a repeat check after 48–72 hours can help rule out early-stage infestations that may have been missed initially.