How can you tell if a child has lice on their head? - briefly
Presence of live lice or nits attached within a quarter inch of the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape, confirms infestation. Intense itching and brownish specks that cannot be removed by brushing also signal the problem.
How can you tell if a child has lice on their head? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent through visual and tactile clues on the scalp and hair. The following observations provide reliable evidence of an active infestation:
- Live insects, approximately 2–3 mm in length, moving quickly on the hair shafts or scalp. Adult lice are grayish‑brown, while nymphs appear lighter.
- Nits firmly attached to the base of hair strands, within ¼ inch of the scalp. Nits are oval, white or yellowish, and do not slide easily when the hair is pulled.
- Presence of small blood spots or dark specks on the hair or shoulders, indicating recent feeding.
- Persistent itching, especially after a few days, caused by allergic reactions to lice saliva. Scratching may produce secondary irritation but is not a definitive sign on its own.
Detection methods:
- Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on dry hair. Section the hair and run the comb from scalp to tip, wiping the comb on a white surface after each pass. Any captured insects or attached nits confirm infestation.
- Examine the scalp under bright light or with a magnifying lens. Focus on the posterior neck, behind the ears, and at the hairline, where lice prefer to hide.
- Perform a “wet comb” test: wet the hair, apply conditioner, and comb through. Moisture immobilizes lice, making them easier to see and collect.
If any live lice or viable nits are found, treatment should begin promptly. Removal of all visible insects and nits, combined with appropriate medicated shampoo or lotion, eliminates the infestation. Re‑inspection after seven days ensures that newly hatched lice have not survived.