How to detect lice on oneself? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair using a fine-toothed comb under bright light, searching for live insects, nits attached within ¼ inch of the shaft, or tiny brown specks. Focus on the nape, behind the ears, and crown, and repeat the check after a few days to detect any newly emerged lice.
How to detect lice on oneself? - in detail
Detecting a lice infestation on your own body requires systematic visual inspection and tactile confirmation. Begin by preparing a well‑lit area, preferably with natural daylight or a bright lamp. Use a fine‑toothed comb or a lice detection comb; its narrow teeth separate lice and nits from hair strands.
First, examine the scalp. Part the hair in sections, starting at the crown and moving outward. Look closely at the base of each strand for the following indicators:
- Live insects, approximately 2–3 mm long, gray‑brown or tan, moving quickly.
- Nits attached to hair shafts within ¼ inch of the scalp; they appear as tiny, oval, white or yellowish shells.
- Dark spots or small blood stains on hair, suggesting recent feeding.
Second, assess other typical sites: behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline. These areas provide warm, protected environments where lice thrive.
Third, employ the “wet‑comb” technique for greater accuracy. Dampen hair with water, apply a small amount of conditioner, then comb from root to tip with the detection comb. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or rinse it in a container of water to reveal any captured lice or nits.
Finally, verify findings by gently pulling a suspect nit from the hair shaft. A viable nit will be firmly attached and may show a visible embryo; a shed shell will break away easily. Record the number and locations of confirmed specimens to determine the severity of the infestation and to guide subsequent treatment steps.