How can one determine that lice have appeared? - briefly
Check the scalp for persistent itching, especially after washing, and examine hair closely for live insects or tiny, oval, whitish eggs attached firmly to the strands close to the scalp; the presence of any of these signs confirms an infestation.
How can one determine that lice have appeared? - in detail
Detecting a lice infestation requires systematic observation and careful handling of hair and scalp.
First, assess symptoms. Persistent itching, especially after washing, suggests a reaction to lice bites. However, itching alone does not confirm an infestation; visual evidence is essential.
Second, conduct a visual inspection. Use a bright light or a magnifying lens. Part the hair into small sections, starting at the crown and moving toward the nape and behind the ears. Look for:
- Live insects: gray‑brown bodies approximately the size of a sesame seed, moving quickly.
- Nits (eggs): oval, 0.8 mm long, attached firmly to the hair shaft at a 45‑degree angle. Nits are darker than the surrounding hair and cannot be easily brushed off.
- Empty egg shells (hatched nits): translucent, lighter, still attached to the shaft.
Distinguish nits from dandruff by noting that nits are glued to the hair and remain fixed when the hair is brushed, whereas dandruff flakes fall away.
Third, employ a fine‑tooth lice comb. Wet the hair, apply conditioner to reduce tangles, then run the comb from scalp to tip in each section. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or towel to reveal captured lice or nits. Repeat the process several times, covering the entire scalp.
Fourth, verify findings on additional family members or close contacts. Lice spread through direct head‑to‑head contact, so checking siblings, partners, or classmates can confirm the scope of the problem.
Fifth, consider a follow‑up examination after 7–10 days. Newly hatched lice become mobile within that period; a repeat combing session will reveal any survivors missed initially.
Finally, document the location and quantity of live lice and viable nits. This record guides treatment decisions and helps evaluate the effectiveness of subsequent interventions.