How can you examine yourself for lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair by parting sections with a fine-toothed comb, looking for live insects or nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft. Examine behind the ears, at the crown, and along the neck using a bright light or magnifying lens for clarity.
How can you examine yourself for lice? - in detail
Detecting head‑parasites early prevents spreading and reduces discomfort. The process relies on systematic visual inspection and appropriate tools.
Begin by selecting a well‑lit environment. Natural daylight or a bright lamp provides the clearest view of the scalp and hair shafts. Separate sections of hair with a clean comb to expose the root area.
The inspection proceeds as follows:
- Part hair into small sections, securing each with a clip or elastic band.
- Examine the scalp from the crown to the nape, focusing on the hairline, behind the ears, and the occipital region.
- Look for live insects, which appear as brownish, winged bodies about 2–3 mm long, or for oval, white‑to‑yellow eggs attached firmly to the shaft within 1 mm of the scalp.
- Use a magnifying glass (10× magnification) to confirm ambiguous findings.
- Run a fine‑tooth “lice” comb from the roots to the ends of each section, wiping the comb on a white paper after each pass to capture any dislodged specimens.
If any live parasites or attached eggs are observed, treat the infestation promptly with an approved pediculicide or alternative method, following product instructions precisely. After treatment, repeat the combing procedure every 2–3 days for two weeks to ensure complete eradication. Clean combs, brushes, and personal items in hot water (≥ 50 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for 48 hours to kill residual organisms. Regular self‑checks every two weeks during peak seasons help maintain a lice‑free condition.