How can you recognize lice on the head? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair closely for tiny, oval, grayish insects about the size of a sesame seed and for their nits—silvery or white eggs cemented to the hair shaft. Persistent itching, especially behind the ears and at the nape, confirms infestation.
How can you recognize lice on the head? - in detail
Lice infestation on the scalp can be confirmed by a systematic visual and tactile examination. Begin by separating the hair into small sections, using a fine‑toothed comb or a specialized lice comb. Run the comb from the scalp outward, wiping each pass on a white tissue or towel. The following findings indicate the presence of parasites:
- Live insects, approximately 2–4 mm long, gray‑brown or tan, moving quickly across strands.
- Nits firmly attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp; they appear as oval, white or yellowish beads, often at an angle to the hair.
- Empty nits (shells) that are translucent and may be mistaken for dandruff but remain attached to the shaft.
- Irritation marks such as small red papules or scratch‑induced sores on the neck, ears, or forehead.
A tactile check complements visual inspection. Gently run fingertips along the hairline and behind the ears; a crawling sensation or feeling of movement suggests active lice. Use a magnifying lens if necessary to distinguish nits from hair debris.
Differentiating true nits from debris requires attention to attachment. Genuine nits are cemented to the hair with a strong, glue‑like substance and will not slide off when the strand is lifted. In contrast, dandruff flakes or hair spray residues fall freely.
When an infestation is suspected, repeat the combing process for at least three consecutive days, as newly hatched nymphs may emerge after the initial examination. Document findings with photographs if needed for medical consultation.
The combination of direct observation of live insects, firmly attached eggs near the scalp, and characteristic skin irritation provides a reliable method for diagnosing head‑lice presence.