How can you know that you have lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp for intense itching and for tiny, oval nits firmly attached to hair shafts close to the roots; visible adult insects moving quickly on the hair or skin confirm an infestation. Use a fine-tooth comb on wet, conditioned hair to reveal any hidden lice or nits.
How can you know that you have lice? - in detail
The presence of head‑lice can be confirmed through a systematic visual inspection and symptom assessment.
Typical indicators include:
- Intense itching, especially behind the ears and at the hairline.
- Small, pale‑gray or brown insects moving quickly across the scalp.
- Tiny, oval, white or yellowish eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp.
- Visible brown or black specks of crushed lice or shed exoskeletons on clothing or bedding.
To verify an infestation, follow these steps:
- Prepare a bright light source and a fine‑toothed comb designed for lice detection.
- Separate the hair into small sections, pulling each strand tight to expose the scalp.
- Run the comb from the scalp outward, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass.
- Examine the tissue for live insects, nits, or egg shells. Nits are identified by their solid attachment to the hair shaft; they cannot be brushed off easily.
- Repeat the process across the entire scalp, focusing on the nape, behind ears, and crown, where lice tend to congregate.
Distinguish nits from dandruff or hair‑cut debris by their angle of attachment and firmness. A nits’ base will be at a 45‑degree angle to the hair shaft and will not slide when gently tugged.
If live lice or firmly attached eggs are found, the diagnosis is confirmed. In the absence of visual confirmation but persistent itching, consider a secondary inspection after a few days, as lice may be missed during early stages.
Professional evaluation is advisable when:
- Repeated inspections fail to locate lice despite ongoing symptoms.
- The infestation spreads to multiple household members.
- Over‑the‑counter treatments have been applied without success.
Accurate identification enables prompt treatment and prevents further transmission.