How can you determine on your own that you have lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair closely for live insects, tiny white or brown nits attached within a quarter‑inch of the hair shaft, and persistent itching. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet, conditioned hair to separate and capture any lice or nits for confirmation.
How can you determine on your own that you have lice? - in detail
Detecting a head‑lice infestation without professional assistance requires a systematic visual and tactile examination.
First, prepare a well‑lit area and a fine‑tooth comb designed for lice detection. Separate the hair into small sections, starting at the crown and moving outward. Run the comb slowly from the scalp to the tip, wiping the teeth on a white paper towel after each pass. Live insects appear as grayish‑brown, about the size of a sesame seed, and may move quickly when disturbed.
Second, inspect the combed material and the hair shafts for nits. Nits are oval, firm, and firmly attached to the hair shaft within a quarter‑inch of the scalp. They are tan to dark brown and do not detach easily; a gentle pull will not remove them. The presence of several viable nits, especially in the same region, strongly indicates an active infestation.
Third, examine common symptom sites: the hairline, behind the ears, and the nape of the neck. Look for small red bumps, itching, or excoriations caused by bites. Persistent itching, especially after washing, often accompanies a lice problem.
Fourth, confirm by re‑checking after a short interval (24–48 hours). Live lice mature rapidly; a second inspection that reveals new insects or additional nits confirms the diagnosis.
Finally, differentiate lice from harmless debris. Dandruff flakes are white, easily brushed away, and not attached to the hair shaft. Hair‑product residue may appear as sticky particles but lacks the oval shape and firm attachment of nits.
By following these steps—adequate lighting, sectioned combing, careful nit identification, symptom review, and repeat verification—one can reliably determine the presence of head lice without external assistance.