How can you find out that you have lice on your head? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair with a fine‑tooth comb on damp hair, looking for live insects or tiny, oval nits attached close to the roots. Presence of moving lice or translucent eggs confirms an infestation.
How can you find out that you have lice on your head? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent through several observable signs and systematic checks.
First, monitor for itching that intensifies after a few days, caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva. Persistent scalp irritation, especially when combined with a feeling of movement on the hair, suggests the presence of parasites.
Second, examine the hair and scalp directly. Use a bright light and a fine-tooth comb, preferably a lice comb, to separate strands. Look for live insects about the size of a sesame seed, grayish‑brown, with six legs. Also search for nits—tiny, oval eggs attached firmly to hair shafts near the scalp. Nits appear as white or yellowish specks; they are difficult to remove and do not slide easily when the hair is pulled.
Third, perform a “wet comb” test. Wet the hair thoroughly, apply a small amount of conditioner, and comb through from the scalp to the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or towel. The presence of live lice or nits on the tissue confirms infestation.
Fourth, consider a professional evaluation. Trained healthcare providers can use a magnifying lens to inspect the scalp and may collect specimens for microscopic confirmation.
Finally, rule out other conditions that mimic lice symptoms, such as dermatitis, fungal infections, or allergic reactions to hair products. If itching persists without evidence of insects or nits, consult a medical professional for differential diagnosis.
By following these steps—symptom observation, visual inspection, wet combing, professional assessment, and differential diagnosis—one can accurately determine whether head lice are present.