How to diagnose pubic lice? - briefly
Examination of the pubic hair with a magnifying device reveals live adult lice and attached nits, while a skin scraping examined microscopically confirms the infestation.
How to diagnose pubic lice? - in detail
Diagnosing pubic lice requires a systematic visual and tactile assessment, followed by confirmation through microscopy if needed.
First, conduct a thorough inspection of the affected area. Use a magnifying lens (10–20×) and a bright light source. Look for live insects, which appear as small, grayish‑brown oval bodies about 1–2 mm long, and for their characteristic egg shells (nits) attached firmly to hair shafts. Nits are teardrop‑shaped, translucent to white, and positioned close to the scalp or skin surface; they cannot be easily brushed off.
Second, palpate the skin gently to detect movement or irritation. Patients often report itching that worsens after bathing, due to an allergic reaction to the lice saliva.
Third, collect specimens for laboratory verification when the visual diagnosis is uncertain. Use fine forceps to remove a few adult lice or nits and place them on a glass slide with a drop of saline or 70 % ethanol. Examine under a light microscope at 100–400× magnification. Adult lice exhibit six legs, segmented bodies, and distinct genitalia; nits reveal embryonic development stages within the shell.
Fourth, differentiate pubic lice from similar conditions. Scabies mites, dandruff, and fungal infections can mimic symptoms but lack the distinctive lice morphology and firmly attached nits.
Finally, document findings with photographs or detailed notes to support treatment decisions and follow‑up.
Key steps for accurate identification:
- Visual inspection with magnification
- Detection of live lice and attached nits
- Palpation for itching and irritation
- Microscopic confirmation of specimens
- Exclusion of other dermatological disorders
Following this protocol ensures reliable detection and guides appropriate therapeutic measures.