How can you tell that there are lice in the hair? - briefly
Inspect the scalp for tiny, grayish insects and for oval, white nits firmly attached to hair shafts close to the skin; these nits are visible as translucent specks that do not easily slide when the hair is brushed. Persistent itching or a crawling sensation usually confirms the presence of a lice infestation.
How can you tell that there are lice in the hair? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent through a combination of visual cues and physical sensations. The most reliable indicator is persistent itching caused by an allergic reaction to louse saliva. Scratching often reveals tiny, mobile insects moving along the scalp or near the hair base.
A close examination of the hair shaft can uncover the following signs:
- Live insects, typically 2–4 mm long, gray‑brown, with six legs and a flattened body.
- Nits (lice eggs) attached firmly to the hair strand within ¼ inch of the scalp; they appear as oval, white or yellowish shells that do not slide when the hair is brushed.
- Dark, rust‑colored specks that are actually fecal matter left by the parasites; these may be found on the hair, shoulders, or clothing.
- Small, translucent shells that are empty after hatching; these are distinguishable from dandruff because they remain glued to the hair and are not easily dislodged.
Effective detection methods include:
- Wet combing: dampen the hair, apply a fine‑tooth lice comb from the scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass to capture any insects or nits.
- Visual inspection with magnification: use a handheld loupe or a bright light to scan the hairline, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck.
- Manual search: part the hair in small sections and run fingertips along the shaft, feeling for moving lice or attached eggs.
Distinguishing nits from debris is critical. Nits have a tapered, oval shape and are glued at an angle to the hair, whereas dandruff flakes are flat, easily removable, and not attached to the strand.
If any of these elements are observed, a confirmed infestation requires prompt treatment and thorough removal of all live lice and nits to prevent re‑infestation.