How to detect lice at home? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair with a fine‑toothed comb on wet strands, searching for live insects, nits affixed within ¼ inch of the scalp, or tiny brown specks. Concentrate on the nape, behind the ears, and crown, and repeat the check over several days to confirm any early infestation.
How to detect lice at home? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice infestations without professional assistance relies on systematic visual inspection and careful observation of symptoms. The process begins with identifying common indicators. Persistent itching, especially after a few days of exposure, often signals a problem. Red papules or small sores on the scalp may accompany the irritation. These signs alone do not confirm an infestation; a direct examination of the hair is required.
A thorough scalp examination follows a consistent routine:
- Choose a well‑lit area; natural daylight or a strong lamp provides the best contrast.
- Use a fine‑toothed comb (spacing 0.2–0.3 mm) designed for lice detection. Wet the hair to reduce slip, then run the comb from the scalp outward, section by section.
- After each pass, examine the comb teeth on a white surface. Live lice appear as grayish, mobile insects about the size of a sesame seed. Nits (lice eggs) are oval, tan‑brown, and firmly attached to the hair shaft, typically within 1 cm of the scalp.
- Pay special attention to the following zones: behind the ears, the nape of the neck, and the crown. These regions provide the warm, protected environment lice prefer.
- Repeat the combing process three times, allowing a short pause between passes to increase the chance of dislodging hidden insects.
If visual confirmation proves difficult, a magnifying glass (10×) can reveal nits that are otherwise invisible. A systematic check of personal items—hats, scarves, hairbrushes, pillowcases, and bedding—helps determine the extent of the problem. Each item should be inspected for live lice or attached nits using the same combing technique or by spreading fabric under bright light.
Family members must undergo the same examination, as lice spread through direct head contact. Document findings for each person, noting the number of live insects and the presence of viable nits. Viable nits are identified by a clear or slightly opaque appearance; empty shells are translucent and lack a dark center.
When live lice or viable nits are detected, immediate steps include:
- Isolate the infested individual to prevent further transmission.
- Begin treatment with an approved pediculicide or a physical method (e.g., heated comb) as directed.
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water (≥ 60 °C) or seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Perform a second thorough combing 7–10 days after initial treatment to remove any newly hatched lice.
Regular weekly checks for at least four weeks after treatment confirm eradication. Absence of live insects and viable nits across multiple inspections indicates successful detection and control.