How to determine that lice have appeared? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair for moving insects and for oval, yellow‑brown nits firmly attached close to the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape. Persistent itching accompanied by these visible signs confirms an infestation.
How to determine that lice have appeared? - in detail
Lice infestation becomes evident through specific visual and behavioral cues. The first reliable indicator is the presence of live insects on the scalp or hair shafts. Adult lice are about the size of a sesame seed, grayish‑brown, and move quickly when disturbed.
A second clue is the detection of nits—elongated, oval eggs attached firmly to hair close to the scalp. Nits differ from dandruff by their solid attachment; they cannot be brushed away easily and often appear at a 45‑degree angle to the hair shaft. A careful combing with a fine‑toothed lice comb can separate these eggs from normal debris.
Itching, caused by the saliva injected during feeding, usually appears within a week of the first bite. Persistent scratching, especially around the neck and behind the ears, suggests an ongoing infestation. Secondary signs include small red bumps or sores where lice have bitten.
To confirm the problem, follow a systematic examination:
- Separate a small section of hair at the crown, the region most likely to harbor lice.
- Hold the hair taut and examine the base with a magnifying lens or bright light.
- Drag a fine-toothed comb from the scalp outward, wiping the comb after each pass to check for insects or eggs.
- Repeat the process on multiple sections, covering the entire scalp.
If live lice or viable nits are found in more than one area, the diagnosis is positive. Absence of visible insects does not exclude an early infestation; repeat examinations over several days increase detection accuracy. Regular checks, especially after known exposure, are essential for timely identification.