How can you determine that a child has lice on their head? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair closely for live insects about the size of a sesame seed, translucent nits attached near the hair shaft, and signs of itching or redness. Use a fine‑toothed comb on wet hair to capture any lice or eggs for confirmation.
How can you determine that a child has lice on their head? - in detail
A child who harbors head‑lice will often exhibit persistent itching, especially after school or during periods of inactivity. The itch results from an allergic reaction to the insect’s saliva and usually intensifies a few hours after contact.
To confirm the presence of lice, conduct a systematic visual examination:
- Choose a well‑lit area or use a portable lamp; natural daylight works best.
- Part the hair in sections, starting at the crown and moving outward toward the temples, nape, and behind the ears.
- Employ a fine‑tooth comb (approximately 0.2 mm spacing) or a specialized lice comb. Run the comb through each section, wiping the teeth on a white tissue after each pass.
- Look for live insects—small, grayish‑brown, wingless bodies about the size of a sesame seed—and for viable eggs (nits) attached firmly to the shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp. Viable nits appear oval, yellow‑white, and are glued at an angle; they will not detach easily when the hair is brushed.
If visual inspection is difficult, a magnifying glass (10×) can aid in distinguishing nits from dandruff or hair debris. Dandruff flakes are loosely attached and easily displaced, whereas nits remain anchored to the hair fiber.
Additional indicators include:
- Presence of tiny white specks that move when the hair is shaken—these are nymphs or adult lice.
- Small reddish‑brown spots on the scalp or shoulders, representing bite marks.
- A “scratchy” sensation that persists despite normal hygiene practices.
When live lice or firmly attached nits are found, the diagnosis is confirmed. If the inspection yields no definitive evidence but the child continues to complain of itching, repeat the examination after 24 hours, as eggs may hatch within that period.
Professional confirmation may be necessary if:
- The infestation is extensive, making self‑inspection unreliable.
- The child has a history of recurrent infestations despite treatment.
- There is uncertainty distinguishing nits from other debris.
Accurate detection relies on a thorough, methodical comb‑through of the entire scalp under adequate lighting, using appropriate tools and careful attention to the characteristic appearance and attachment of lice and their eggs.