How to detect lice on a person? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair closely, looking for moving insects and oval, translucent eggs attached within a quarter‑inch of the skin; a fine‑tooth comb applied to wet hair helps reveal both. Identification of live lice and nits confirms an infestation.
How to detect lice on a person? - in detail
Detecting a lice infestation requires systematic visual inspection and, when necessary, the use of specialized tools. Begin by separating the hair into small sections, typically 1‑2 cm wide, and examine each portion closely against a contrasting background. Use a fine‑toothed comb designed for lice detection; the teeth should be spaced no more than 0.5 mm apart. Comb the hair from scalp to tip, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass. Presence of live insects, nits firmly attached to the hair shaft within 1 cm of the scalp, or empty egg shells indicates an active infestation.
Key visual indicators include:
- Live lice: grayish‑brown, about the size of a sesame seed, moving quickly on the scalp.
- Viable nits: oval, tan‑colored, attached at an angle to the hair shaft; the shell is cemented and will not slide easily.
- Empty shells: translucent, often found farther from the scalp; their presence alone does not confirm infestation but suggests recent activity.
- Scalp irritation: redness, itching, or small sores caused by bites.
If visual inspection is inconclusive, consider the following adjunct methods:
- Microscopic examination – collect a few hair strands with suspected nits, mount on a slide, and inspect under 10‑40× magnification to confirm viability.
- Adhesive tape test – press clear medical tape against the scalp, then examine the tape under a magnifier for trapped lice or nits.
- Digital imaging – use a handheld macro camera to capture high‑resolution images of hair sections for later analysis.
For reliable results, repeat the inspection after 7–10 days, coinciding with the lice life cycle, to catch newly hatched individuals that may have been missed initially. Document findings with photographs or notes to track progress during treatment.