How can you tell if a child has lice? - briefly
Check the scalp for live lice and for nits that are firmly attached to hair shafts close to the skin, often accompanied by itching or redness. Use a fine-tooth comb on damp hair to capture any hidden insects and confirm the presence of viable nits.
How can you tell if a child has lice? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice infestations in children requires careful visual inspection and tactile confirmation. The most reliable indicator is the presence of live insects or their eggs attached to hair shafts near the scalp. Look for the following signs:
- Small, tan‑brown insects about the size of a sesame seed moving among the hair.
- Oval, white or yellowish nits firmly glued to the base of a hair strand, usually within a half‑inch of the scalp.
- Small red or pink spots on the scalp or neck, often caused by bites.
- Intense itching, especially after a few days, resulting from an allergic reaction to the lice’s saliva.
A systematic examination improves accuracy. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on a well‑lit surface, preferably with the child’s hair dampened. Separate sections of hair, starting at the crown and moving outward, and pull the comb through each strand. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or paper towel; live lice appear as moving specks, while nits remain attached to the comb teeth.
If a nymph or adult is observed moving, the infestation is confirmed. When only nits are found, verify that they are firmly attached and not merely shed shells; nits that can be easily brushed away are likely not viable. In ambiguous cases, repeat the combing process over several days, as newly hatched nits become visible after 7–10 days.
Additional clues may arise from secondary symptoms. Persistent scalp irritation, secondary bacterial infections from scratching, or reports from classmates about similar findings can support the diagnosis. However, these are not definitive without direct evidence of lice or viable nits.
In summary, a conclusive assessment combines:
- Direct visualization of live lice or firmly attached nits.
- Use of a fine‑toothed comb under adequate lighting.
- Re‑inspection over multiple days if initial findings are uncertain.
These steps provide a thorough, evidence‑based method for confirming an infestation in a child.