How to check children for lice? - briefly
Examine the child's head by parting the hair into small sections and running a fine‑toothed lice comb through damp strands. Verify the presence of live insects or oval nits attached within a quarter‑inch of the scalp, especially at the neck, behind the ears, and crown.
How to check children for lice? - in detail
Inspecting a child’s scalp for head‑lice requires a systematic approach, appropriate tools, and a calm environment. Begin by selecting a well‑lit area, preferably a bathroom mirror or a room with natural light, and gather a fine‑tooth comb, a white towel, and a magnifying glass if available. Dampen the hair with warm water and a small amount of conditioner to reduce tangles and improve visibility of the insects and their eggs.
- Separate the hair into sections using hair clips or pins.
- Starting at the crown, run the comb through a small strand from root to tip, pulling gently but firmly.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on the white towel to reveal any nits or live insects.
- Examine the combed material with the magnifying glass, looking for oval, yellow‑brown shells attached to hair shafts (nits) and for small, tan‑colored bugs about the size of a sesame seed.
- Repeat the process on all sections, paying special attention to the behind‑ear area, the nape of the neck, and the hairline, where lice commonly congregate.
If any nits are found, note their location. The presence of live lice confirms an infestation; isolated nits, especially if firmly attached near the scalp, also warrant treatment. To verify completeness, repeat the inspection after 7–10 days, as newly hatched lice may become visible only after this interval.
Preventive measures include regular weekly comb checks, encouraging children to avoid sharing hats, hair accessories, and helmets, and maintaining personal items such as combs and brushes in separate containers. If an infestation is confirmed, follow a medically approved treatment regimen, repeat the process after the recommended waiting period, and re‑inspect to ensure eradication.