How to check if I have lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair closely, parting strands near the crown and behind the ears, and look for live nits (tiny, oval, yellow‑white eggs attached firmly to hair shafts) or moving insects. Use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet hair, wiping the comb after each pass to confirm presence.
How to check if I have lice? - in detail
Detecting an infestation requires a systematic visual and tactile examination of the hair and scalp. Begin by selecting a well‑lit area, preferably with natural light, and a plain background to highlight any insects or eggs.
- Separate the hair into small sections, about 1–2 cm wide, using a fine‑tooth comb or a clean hair clip.
- Starting at the scalp, pull the hair taut and run the comb from the root to the tip.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or place it on a dark surface to improve visibility.
- Look for live insects, which are about the size of a sesame seed, grayish‑brown, and may move quickly.
- Examine the combed strands for nits—oval, white or yellowish cemented shells attached to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
If an insect is found, repeat the combing process on adjacent sections to confirm the presence of additional specimens. For thoroughness, repeat the inspection on all areas of the head, including the behind‑the‑ears region, the nape of the neck, and the crown.
When eggs are detected, use a fine‑tooth nit comb to remove them. Work in short, controlled strokes, cleaning the comb after each pass to prevent re‑attachment. For children, conduct the examination while they are calm, possibly after a bath when the hair is damp and easier to manage.
Should live lice or nits be confirmed, initiate treatment promptly with an approved pediculicide or a physically based method such as suffocation creams. Follow the product’s instructions regarding application duration, repeat dosing, and post‑treatment combing. After treatment, re‑inspect the scalp after 7–10 days to ensure eradication, as newly hatched lice may appear.
Preventive measures include regular head checks, especially after contact with other children, avoiding sharing hats, hair accessories, or bedding, and maintaining clean personal items. Consistent vigilance reduces the likelihood of unnoticed re‑infestation.