How to check oneself for lice? - briefly
Part the hair into 1‑inch sections, run a fine‑tooth lice comb from the scalp to the ends, and examine the hair shafts and behind the ears for live insects or nits attached within ¼ inch of the strand. Any found nits should be removed immediately and the area cleaned thoroughly.
How to check oneself for lice? - in detail
Detecting head lice on your own requires a systematic visual inspection and the use of appropriate tools. Begin by preparing a well‑lit area, preferably a bathroom mirror with bright, natural or white light. Comb the hair with a fine‑toothed lice comb while the hair is damp; moisture helps the comb glide and makes lice and nits more visible.
- Section the hair – Divide the scalp into quadrants (front, back, sides, crown). Secure each section with a clip or elastic band before combing.
- Comb from scalp outward – Place the comb’s teeth as close to the scalp as possible, pull gently toward the hair tip, and wipe the comb on a white towel or paper after each pass.
- Examine the comb – Look for live insects (gray‑brown, oval, about 2–3 mm) and attached eggs (nits) that appear as tiny, yellow‑white ovals cemented to hair shafts.
- Inspect the hair shaft – After each pass, run a fingertip along the hair near the scalp; feel for a gritty “sand‑like” texture that indicates nits.
- Repeat across all sections – Perform the combing process at least twice per session, covering the entire head.
If any lice or nits are observed, note their location and quantity. A single nit may be a stray egg, but clusters suggest an infestation. For confirmation, repeat the inspection after 7–10 days, as newly hatched nymphs become visible during this period.
Additional tips:
- Use a magnifying glass (10×) for better resolution of small nits.
- Wear disposable gloves to avoid transferring lice between sections.
- Perform the check on a contrasting background (white paper) to enhance visibility of translucent eggs.
- Record findings in a simple log (date, number of lice, number of nits) to track progress if treatment is initiated.
A thorough, repeatable self‑examination reduces the risk of missing early infestations and enables prompt remedial action.