How to determine if there are lice on one's own head? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair under bright light, searching for live insects the size of sesame seeds and for oval, yellowish nits attached within a quarter inch of the skin. Run a fine‑toothed comb through wet hair to pull out any suspected specimens for visual confirmation.
How to determine if there are lice on one's own head? - in detail
A lice infestation can be identified through direct observation of the scalp and hair. The presence of live insects, their eggs, or characteristic symptoms provides reliable evidence.
Visual inspection begins with parting the hair in small sections, preferably on a well‑lit surface. Examine each segment for small, gray‑white oval structures attached close to the hair shaft; these are the eggs, commonly called nits. Live lice appear as brownish, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed, moving rapidly when disturbed.
A fine‑tooth comb designed for lice detection enhances accuracy. Run the comb from the scalp outward, wiping the teeth after each pass. Any captured insects or attached nits should be placed on a white surface for easier identification.
Additional indicators include persistent itching, especially after washing, and the appearance of tiny red bumps on the scalp. These symptoms result from the bite of the parasite and may accompany an infestation.
If uncertainty remains, collect several suspected lice or nits and place them in a sealed container for microscopic examination. Professional evaluation by a healthcare provider offers definitive confirmation and guidance for treatment.
Regular self‑examination, especially after contact with infested individuals or environments, reduces the risk of unnoticed spread. Prompt detection allows immediate intervention, limiting the duration and severity of the infestation.