How can one find lice oneself? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair closely under bright light, separating sections with a fine‑tooth comb to reveal live insects or viable nits attached to hair shafts; repeat the examination after a few days to confirm any missed infestations.
How can one find lice oneself? - in detail
Finding head‑lice on yourself requires systematic visual and tactile examination.
Begin with a well‑lit environment; natural daylight or a bright lamp reduces missed specimens. Use a fine‑tooth comb (approximately 0.2 mm spacing) and a clean, flat surface such as a white towel to contrast any debris.
- Wet the hair thoroughly. Moisture immobilizes lice, making them easier to see and preventing nits from clinging tightly.
- Starting at the crown, run the comb through a small section (about 2 cm wide). After each pass, wipe the comb on the towel and inspect for:
- Live insects: gray‑brown, 2–4 mm long, moving quickly when disturbed.
- Nits: oval, tan‑white, firmly attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Continue combing outward in overlapping sections, covering the entire scalp, including behind the ears, the nape, and the hairline.
If visual inspection is difficult, employ a magnifying glass (10×) to enlarge the view of hair shafts. For the back of the head, use a handheld mirror or a second mirror angled to reflect the area.
When a specimen is found, confirm by gently pulling the hair; a viable nit will remain attached, while dandruff will fall off.
Repeat the wet‑combing process daily for at least seven days, as newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial check. Consistent examination eliminates false negatives and ensures early detection.