How can lice be noticed? - briefly
Lice become evident through persistent scalp itching, the presence of tiny, oval nits clinging to hair shafts close to the scalp, and the occasional sight of adult insects moving on the hair. Visual inspection of these signs allows rapid identification.
How can lice be noticed? - in detail
Detecting head lice requires careful visual inspection and awareness of common signs. The adult insect measures 2–4 mm, resembling a small sesame seed, and moves slowly across the scalp. Nits, the eggs, appear as oval, white or yellowish structures attached firmly to hair shafts, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp where warmth promotes development. A clear distinction exists between nits and hair‑root debris: nits cannot be easily dislodged with a comb, while dandruff slides off.
Key indicators include:
- Persistent itching, especially after showering or during warm weather, caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva.
- Presence of small, translucent specks that turn brown as they mature; these are often visible against a light background when the hair is pulled away from the scalp.
- Visible adult lice crawling on hair, clothing, or bedding; they tend to avoid bright light and may hide in the nape of the neck or behind ears.
- Small, red bumps on the scalp or neck, resulting from bites.
Effective examination methods:
- Section the hair into small segments using a fine‑toothed comb; run the comb from the scalp outward, inspecting each tooth for attached eggs or insects.
- Use a magnifying lens (10×) in a well‑lit area to enhance visibility of tiny structures.
- Conduct the inspection on a plain, contrasting surface (e.g., a white towel) to aid detection of detached nits.
If any of the described signs are observed, confirm the finding by collecting a specimen and comparing it with reference images of lice and nits. Immediate treatment and environmental decontamination prevent further spread.