How can I know that I have lice on my head? - briefly
Inspect the hair for live lice or oval, yellow‑brown nits glued to strands close to the scalp, focusing on the neck, behind the ears, and crown area; itching, a crawling feeling, and visible specks confirm an infestation.
How can I know that I have lice on my head? - in detail
Identifying a head‑lice infestation requires careful visual inspection and awareness of common symptoms.
First, examine the scalp and hair under bright light. Part the hair close to the scalp in several sections and look for live insects about the size of a sesame seed (approximately 2–3 mm), grayish‑white or brown, with six legs. Adult lice move quickly; a gentle blow of air can help reveal them.
Second, search for nits—lice eggs attached firmly to hair shafts. Nits appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white or brown spots, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp. Unlike stray dandruff, they cannot be easily brushed away and are cemented at an angle to the hair.
Third, note physical signs on the person. Persistent itching, especially behind the ears and at the nape, often results from an allergic reaction to lice saliva. Scratching may cause redness, small sores, or secondary infection.
If any of the following criteria are met, an infestation is likely:
- Live lice observed moving on the scalp or hair.
- Nits firmly attached within 0.5 cm of the scalp.
- Continuous scalp itching for several days without another clear cause.
- Evidence of bite marks or small red papules on the skin.
For confirmation, use a fine‑toothed lice comb. Comb a small section of hair from the scalp outward, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass. Presence of lice or nits on the comb validates the diagnosis.
When uncertainty remains, seek professional evaluation from a healthcare provider or a licensed lice‑removal service. Early detection prevents spread to others and allows prompt treatment.