How to determine oneself if there are lice? - briefly
Check the scalp and hair for live insects, whitish nits attached within ¼ inch of the hair shaft, and intense itching, especially after a warm shower. Confirm by using a fine-tooth comb on damp hair and examining any caught specimens under a light.
How to determine oneself if there are lice? - in detail
Inspect the scalp and hair thoroughly. Use a fine-toothed lice comb on dry hair, starting at the roots and moving toward the ends. After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue or cloth; visible nits or live insects confirm infestation.
Perform the examination in a well‑lit area, preferably with natural light. Part the hair into sections of about two inches, comb each section multiple times. Look for:
- Live lice, about the size of a sesame seed, moving quickly.
- Nits attached firmly to the hair shaft, within a quarter inch of the scalp; they appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white or brown specks.
- Empty egg shells (nits that have hatched), which are translucent and can be distinguished from live nits by their lighter color and lack of attachment.
Check the entire head, including behind the ears, at the nape, and along the hairline. Examine clothing, hats, bedding, and personal items that have been in close contact with the head; transfer of lice can occur through these vectors.
If any live lice or nits are found, repeat the combing process daily for at least seven days to ensure all stages are removed. If no evidence appears after two thorough examinations spaced 48 hours apart, infestation is unlikely. However, maintain vigilance, as early stages can be missed.