How can you find out if you have lice? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair with a fine‑tooth comb on damp strands, looking for live insects or attached eggs. The presence of grayish bodies or white, oval nits cemented close to the hair shaft confirms infestation.
How can you find out if you have lice? - in detail
Detecting a head‑lice infestation requires systematic observation and, when necessary, confirmation with a magnifying device.
First, examine the scalp for common indicators. Look for small, white or yellowish oval structures attached to hair shafts near the scalp; these are nits, the eggs of the parasite. Live insects appear as grayish‑brown bodies about the size of a sesame seed. Itching, especially after a delay of several days, often signals an allergic reaction to lice bites.
Second, conduct a thorough visual inspection. Use a fine‑tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair. Separate strands and pull the comb from the root to the tip, wiping the teeth after each pass. Place the comb on a white surface to spot any captured insects or eggs. Repeat the process on all sections of the head, including the nape, behind the ears, and the crown.
Third, consider supplemental tools:
- A handheld magnifier (10×–20×) to enhance visibility of tiny nits.
- A bright, focused light source to reduce shadows.
- A disposable detection kit containing a fine comb and a transparent tray for easy examination.
Fourth, differentiate nits from normal hair debris. Nits are firmly glued to the shaft and cannot be brushed away easily; they remain attached even after vigorous shaking. Dandruff flakes are loose and will fall off when the hair is brushed.
Fifth, verify findings. If live lice or viable nits (within 1 mm of the scalp) are observed, the presence of an infestation is confirmed. If only empty shells or detached nits are found, the infestation may have been eliminated, but a follow‑up inspection after 7–10 days is advisable to catch any newly hatched insects.
Finally, seek professional assessment if:
- Repeated examinations reveal no definitive evidence yet symptoms persist.
- The infestation is extensive, making self‑treatment impractical.
- There is uncertainty about distinguishing nits from other particles.
Accurate detection combines visual clues, systematic combing, and appropriate tools. Regular checks after treatment, spaced a week apart, ensure that the problem has been fully resolved.