How can you find lice on a child's scalp? - briefly
Inspect the scalp under bright light using a fine‑toothed comb, separating hair into small sections and checking the nape, behind the ears, and crown for live insects and nits attached within a quarter‑inch of the shaft. Remove any found lice or eggs immediately and repeat the examination after 7–10 days to confirm eradication.
How can you find lice on a child's scalp? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice infestation in a child requires a systematic visual examination combined with proper tools. Begin by placing the child in a well‑lit area; natural daylight or a bright lamp provides the clearest view. Separate the hair into small sections, starting at the crown and moving outward, using a fine‑tooth comb or a lice‑specific detection comb. Pull each section taut and run the comb from the scalp to the ends, wiping the teeth on a white tissue after each pass to reveal any captured insects or eggs.
Key locations to scrutinize include the nape of the neck, behind the ears, the forehead hairline, and the area above the scalp where hair is thin. Lice are most often found near the base of hair shafts, while nits (eggs) appear as tiny, oval, cemented structures that are typically yellow‑white or brown and lie within 1 cm of the scalp. A magnifying glass or a handheld digital microscope can aid in distinguishing nits from dandruff or hair‑cutting debris.
If visual inspection is inconclusive, consider a chemical detection spray. Apply a small amount to a section of hair, wait the recommended time, then comb through the area; dead lice and nits will become visible against the hair. Record findings in a simple log, noting the number of live insects and the density of nits, to guide treatment decisions and follow‑up checks.
After the initial assessment, repeat the examination after 7–10 days, as newly hatched lice become detectable. Consistent re‑inspection ensures that any surviving eggs are caught before they mature, preventing a resurgence of the infestation.