How to determine if you have lice? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair closely for live insects and for tiny, oval nits stuck within ¼ inch of the hair shaft, then run a fine‑toothed comb through wet hair and check the comb for lice or eggs. A positive finding of either confirms an infestation.
How to determine if you have lice? - in detail
Lice infestations are confirmed by direct observation of the insects, their eggs, or characteristic signs on the scalp. Begin by separating the hair from the crown to the nape and inspecting each section under adequate lighting. Use a magnifying lens if possible.
- Look for live adult lice: small, grayish‑brown insects about the size of a sesame seed, moving quickly along hair shafts.
- Search for nits (lice eggs): oval, white or yellowish, firmly attached to the shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp. They appear glossy and do not detach easily when the hair is brushed.
- Note any brown or black specks (fecal matter) near the scalp or on the hair; these are often mistaken for dandruff but indicate feeding activity.
A fine‑toothed lice comb, preferably metal, enhances detection. Comb a small section of hair from the root to the tip, wiping the comb on a white tissue after each pass. Repeated passes over the same area increase the likelihood of finding hidden specimens. If any lice or nits are captured, the infestation is confirmed.
Symptoms such as persistent itching, especially after a warm shower, support the diagnosis but are not definitive; itching can result from other scalp conditions. Therefore, visual confirmation remains the gold standard.
If no insects or eggs are found after thorough examination of the entire scalp, repeat the inspection after 7–10 days, as newly hatched lice may have emerged. Persistent uncertainty warrants a professional evaluation by a dermatologist or trained medical practitioner.