How can I determine if I have lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair for live insects and oval, white or brown nits attached close to the hair shaft, especially behind the ears and at the nape; confirm by running a fine-toothed comb through wet, conditioned hair under bright light to catch any remaining specimens.
How can I determine if I have lice? - in detail
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the scalp and lay eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts. Detection relies on observable signs and systematic inspection.
Common indicators include intense itching caused by an allergic reaction to saliva, a feeling of movement on the scalp, and the presence of small, oval, white or yellowish nits that cling tightly to hair close to the skin. Live lice appear as grayish‑brown insects about the size of a sesame seed; they move quickly when the head is tilted.
A thorough visual examination involves the following steps:
- Choose bright, natural light or a lamp with a magnifying attachment.
- Part the hair in thin sections from the forehead to the nape using a fine‑tooth (0.2 mm) lice comb.
- Run the comb from the scalp outward, wiping each pass on a white paper towel to reveal any captured insects or nits.
- Inspect the comb and towel closely; live lice are mobile, while nits are immobile and attached at a 45‑degree angle to the hair shaft.
- Repeat the process on all areas of the head, including behind the ears and at the crown, where lice tend to congregate.
Differentiating nits from other debris is essential. Viable nits are firmly cemented to the hair, cannot be easily brushed off, and are positioned within ¼ inch of the scalp. Empty egg shells (hatched nits) are translucent and may slide down the shaft. Dandruff, hair spray residue, or dust lack the adhesive quality of true nits.
Additional detection tools include:
- A handheld magnifying glass (10×) for close‑up examination of suspected lice.
- Over‑the‑counter lice detection kits that contain a comb and a light source.
- Dermatological or school‑nurse examinations, which provide expert confirmation.
If visual inspection reveals live insects or a significant number of firmly attached nits, initiate treatment promptly. When uncertainty persists after multiple self‑checks, consult a healthcare professional to rule out other scalp conditions, such as dermatitis or fungal infections, and to obtain a verified diagnosis.