How do dead lice eggs look?

How do dead lice eggs look? - briefly

Dead lice eggs appear as tiny, white, oval shells that become slightly grayish or translucent after the embryo dies, lacking the glossy, firm surface of viable nits. The empty shells are fragile and may crumble when touched.

How do dead lice eggs look? - in detail

Dead lice ova that have ceased development appear markedly different from viable nits. The shell, known as a chorion, becomes opaque and loses its characteristic translucent sheen. Color shifts toward a dull brown or gray, often resembling dandruff or small specks of debris. The surface texture may appear roughened as the protective layers desiccate.

Key visual indicators include:

  • Opacity: loss of translucency, resulting in a solid, non‑shiny appearance.
  • Color change: transition from pale yellow‑white to brownish‑gray tones.
  • Size stability: dimensions remain similar to live eggs (approximately 0.8 mm in length), but the lack of a visible embryo may make the egg seem slightly smaller.
  • Surface condition: chorion becomes fragile and may crumble when disturbed, unlike the resilient shell of living nits.
  • Attachment: the egg remains affixed to hair shafts by a cement‑like substance, but the adhesive often becomes brittle and may detach more easily.

Microscopic examination reveals that the internal contents have collapsed, leaving an empty cavity within the chorion. No movement or embryonic development is observable, confirming the egg’s non‑viable status.