How to determine the presence of lice? - briefly
Examination of the scalp and hair with a fine‑tooth comb reveals live insects and firmly attached eggs, which appear as oval, white or brownish shells within a quarter‑inch of the scalp. A magnifying device can confirm lice mobility and distinguish nits from dandruff.
How to determine the presence of lice? - in detail
Detecting a head‑lice infestation requires systematic visual inspection and careful tactile assessment. The adult insect measures 2–3 mm, is gray‑brown, and moves quickly. Eggs, known as nits, appear as tiny, oval, cemented shells attached to hair shafts near the scalp.
A thorough examination follows these steps:
- Part hair in sections using a fine‑toothed comb, starting at the crown and moving outward. Observe each strand for live insects or cemented shells.
- Examine the scalp, especially behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and near the hairline. Look for moving lice or clusters of nits.
- Use a bright light source or a magnifying lens to enhance visibility of small specimens.
- Gently pull a few hairs from each section; a single live louse or a cluster of nits confirms infestation.
- Record findings: presence of live insects, number of nits, and their location on the head.
Additional indicators support visual confirmation:
- Persistent itching, particularly after washing, suggests an allergic reaction to louse saliva.
- Small red bumps or secondary skin irritation may appear where bites occurred.
- A feeling of a “crawling” sensation on the scalp often accompanies an active infestation.
When live lice are observed, immediate treatment is warranted. If only nits are present, consider the possibility of a recent infestation and evaluate the need for preventative measures. Regular follow‑up inspections, performed every 2–3 days for two weeks, ensure that newly hatched lice are detected before they mature.