How can you check if you have lice on yourself? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair with a fine‑tooth comb, concentrating on the nape, behind the ears, and crown area. Identify live insects or ovoid nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft, which appear as tiny white or brown specks.
How can you check if you have lice on yourself? - in detail
Detecting a personal head‑lice infestation requires a systematic visual examination of the scalp and hair. The process begins with preparation of the environment: a well‑lit area, preferably natural daylight or a bright lamp, and a clean, wide‑tooth comb designed for lice detection. A magnifying glass can enhance visibility of small organisms.
The examination proceeds as follows:
- Separate hair into small sections, roughly 1‑inch wide, using clips or hair ties.
- Starting at the nape of the neck, run the comb through each section from the scalp outward, covering the entire head.
- After each pass, inspect the comb teeth on a white surface. Look for live insects, translucent bodies, or dark oval structures attached near the base of hair shafts.
- Pay particular attention to typical infestation zones: behind the ears, at the hairline, and the crown.
Key indicators include:
- Live adult lice, resembling tiny brown insects, moving quickly when disturbed.
- Nits, the eggs, appear as small, white or yellowish ovals firmly glued to the hair shaft within a quarter‑inch of the scalp.
- Viable nits are slightly tilted away from the hair shaft; empty shells are often brown and lie flat.
Additional techniques can supplement visual inspection:
- Apply a thin strip of clear adhesive tape to a hair section, then examine the tape under magnification for captured lice or nits.
- Use a handheld lice‑detection device, which combines magnification and illumination in a single tool.
- Seek professional evaluation from a dermatologist or trained school nurse, especially when results are ambiguous.
Following initial detection, repeat the inspection every 2‑3 days for two weeks to confirm eradication. Persistence of any live insects or newly hatched nits indicates the need for further treatment and re‑examination.