How do empty lice eggs look? - briefly
An empty louse egg is a small, translucent, white shell that remains attached to the hair shaft after the nymph emerges. The shell is smooth, hollow, and appears as a tiny, paper‑like capsule.
How do empty lice eggs look? - in detail
Empty lice nits that have already hatched are typically 0.8 mm long, slightly shorter than viable eggs. The shell becomes translucent, allowing the underlying scalp skin to be seen through the outer membrane. The surface loses its glossy sheen and appears matte or slightly frosted. Color shifts from the characteristic ivory‑white or yellow‑tan of fresh nits to a pale gray or off‑white hue.
The shape remains oval, with the same curved contour that fits the hair shaft, but the tip often looks blunted after the larva exits. The shell may show a tiny, empty opening at the operculum, the area where the nymph emerged. In many cases, the shell collapses slightly, giving it a crumpled or wrinkled appearance.
Key visual indicators of an empty nit:
- Transparent or semi‑transparent body
- Matte, non‑glossy surface
- Light gray or off‑white coloration
- Blunted, slightly collapsed tip
- Visible opening at the operculum
These features distinguish post‑hatch shells from intact eggs, which retain an opaque, creamy color, a glossy surface, and a closed operculum. Recognizing the described traits aids in accurate assessment of infestation status and treatment effectiveness.