How can one tell if a girl has lice? - briefly
Inspect the hair and scalp for live insects or attached eggs, focusing on the area behind the ears and the nape of the neck. Use a fine‑tooth comb on damp hair to reveal small, oval, white or brown nits that are firmly glued to the hair shafts.
How can one tell if a girl has lice? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent through specific observable signs.
First, persistent itching of the scalp, especially after exposure to warm environments, often indicates the presence of parasites. The sensation results from an allergic reaction to the insects’ saliva and typically intensifies during evening hours.
Second, examine the hair closely. Live insects appear as tiny, tan‑brown, wingless bodies about the size of a sesame seed. They move quickly when the hair is disturbed.
Third, look for nits—tiny, oval, white‑to‑yellowish eggs attached firmly to the shaft of each hair strand. Nits are usually found within a half‑inch of the scalp, where the hair is warm enough for incubation. Unlike dandruff, nits cannot be easily brushed away and remain stuck to the hair.
Fourth, use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair. Run the comb from the scalp to the ends, wiping the teeth after each pass. Any captured insects or nits confirm an infestation.
Fifth, check typical locations: behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline. These areas provide the warm, sheltered environment lice prefer.
If any of these indicators are present, conduct a repeat inspection after 24–48 hours to rule out false positives. Persistent findings warrant professional evaluation and treatment.
Effective treatment involves a pediculicide approved for the age group, applied according to manufacturer instructions, followed by thorough combing to remove remaining nits. All household members should be inspected and, if necessary, treated simultaneously to prevent re‑infestation.
Environmental control includes washing bedding, hats, and clothing in hot water (≥130 °F) and drying on high heat, or sealing items in plastic bags for two weeks. Vacuuming upholstery and carpets reduces the risk of secondary spread.
Monitoring for recurrence should continue for at least three weeks, as newly hatched lice may emerge after the initial treatment. Early detection and prompt action limit discomfort and prevent further spread.