How to check lice on video? - briefly
Record a close‑up video of the scalp under bright lighting, then pause and zoom in to inspect hair shafts for tiny, oval nits attached near the scalp and for any moving insects. Confirm infestation by detecting at least three nits within a 1 cm segment or observing live lice.
How to check lice on video? - in detail
Inspecting for head‑lice infestations through recorded footage requires a systematic approach that maximizes visual clarity and minimizes false‑negative results. Begin by selecting video material captured under optimal lighting conditions; natural daylight or a bright, diffuse artificial source reduces shadows and highlights the scalp and hair shafts. If possible, use a macro or close‑up setting that fills the frame with a small section of hair, allowing individual strands to be seen clearly.
Prepare the recording device by setting the focus to manual mode, locking it on the target area, and disabling any automatic exposure adjustments that could alter brightness during playback. Record at a frame rate of at least 30 fps to ensure smooth motion and prevent motion blur when the subject moves the head or brushes the hair.
During the review process, follow these steps:
- Identify the region – Locate the nape, behind the ears, and the crown, which are common sites for infestation.
- Zoom in – Use playback software to magnify the selected segment without degrading resolution.
- Examine each strand – Look for ovoid bodies (approximately 2–4 mm) attached to the hair shaft, as well as the characteristic oval eggs (nits) that appear firmly cemented close to the scalp.
- Distinguish live lice from debris – Live specimens move rapidly when the hair is disturbed; nits remain stationary. Confirm movement by gently shaking the head or using a fine-tooth comb in the video, if the footage includes such action.
- Document findings – Capture still frames of any suspected lice or nits, annotate the location, and note the time stamp for reference.
If the video lacks sufficient detail, repeat the recording with the following enhancements:
- Apply a handheld magnifying lens or attach a macro lens to the camera.
- Use a contrasting background (e.g., a dark cloth) to improve visibility of light-colored eggs.
- Ensure the subject’s hair is clean and free of styling products that can obscure the scalp.
Finally, compile a brief report summarizing the number of observed lice, the distribution across scalp regions, and any recommendations for treatment or further inspection. This structured methodology enables reliable detection of head‑lice infestations solely through video evidence.