How can you test yourself for lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp using a fine-toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair, separating sections and looking for live insects or nits attached within a quarter inch of the hair shaft. Verify any suspected findings by viewing the collected material under a magnifying lens.
How can you test yourself for lice? - in detail
Self‑examination for head lice begins with preparation. Choose a well‑lit, flat surface such as a countertop or table, and gather a fine‑toothed comb (preferably a nit comb), a bright flashlight, a clean towel, and a small container for any specimens. Remove any hair accessories and, if hair is long, part it into sections using clips.
- Wet the hair – Dampen the scalp and hair with water or a light spray of conditioner. Moisture slows the insects, making them easier to see and capture.
- Comb systematically – Starting at the crown, run the nit comb through a small section from the scalp to the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on the towel and inspect for live lice or viable nits. Repeat for every section, moving the parting line a few centimeters each time.
- Inspect the comb – Hold the comb over a white surface or directly against the light. Live lice appear as small, tan or gray insects about 2–4 mm long, with six legs. Nits are oval, firmly attached to the hair shaft, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp; they are translucent to brown.
- Examine the scalp – Using the flashlight, look closely at the hairline, behind the ears, and at the nape. Look for signs such as itching, redness, or small reddish spots (possible bite marks).
- Document findings – If any lice are seen, count them and note their locations. If only nits are present, verify they are attached at the correct angle (typically 45° to the hair shaft) to distinguish them from hair debris.
- Collect specimens – Place any observed insects or nits in the container, label with date and location, and keep sealed for possible professional confirmation.
If no lice or nits are detected after a thorough combing of the entire head, the result is negative. However, because nits can be missed, repeat the examination after 7–10 days, especially if itching persists. For high‑risk environments (schools, camps), a second check after a week is advisable.