How can you tell if you have lice yourself? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair for live insects about the size of a sesame seed, especially near the neck and behind the ears, and examine strands for tiny white nits firmly attached within a centimeter of the scalp; «Nits are cemented to the hair shaft and cannot be brushed off».
How can you tell if you have lice yourself? - in detail
Detecting a personal lice infestation requires systematic visual inspection and awareness of associated symptoms.
The scalp should be examined in a well‑lit environment, preferably using a magnifying device (10‑20× loupes) or a handheld mirror. Divide the hair into sections of 1–2 cm, starting at the crown and moving outward. Hold each section away from the scalp and run a fine‑toothed comb (nit comb) from the roots to the tips, wiping the comb on a white surface after each pass.
Key indicators include:
- Live insects: gray‑brown, wingless bodies about 2–3 mm long, moving rapidly when disturbed.
- Nymphs: smaller, translucent or light brown, resembling tiny eggs.
- Viable eggs (nits): oval, 0.8 mm, firmly attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp; they appear white or yellowish and do not slide when the hair is gently pulled.
- Secondary signs: persistent itching, especially behind the ears or at the neckline; red or irritated patches on the scalp; secondary bacterial infection from scratching.
Distinguishing viable eggs from shed shells is essential. Viable nits remain attached after a gentle tug on the hair; empty shells (nits that have hatched) are loose and fall off easily.
A thorough inspection should last at least 10 minutes, covering the entire scalp, including the nape, behind the ears, and the sides of the head. Repeating the process over three consecutive days increases detection accuracy, as lice may be missed during early feeding stages.
If live lice or viable nits are confirmed, immediate treatment is recommended. Over‑the‑counter pediculicides applied according to the product instructions, followed by a second application after 7–10 days, effectively eliminates the infestation. In addition, washing bedding, hats, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks prevents re‑infestation.
When visual confirmation is inconclusive, seek professional evaluation from a healthcare provider or a trained lice‑removal specialist. Their expertise, including the use of specialized detection lamps, can verify the presence of parasites and guide appropriate management.