How to find lice eggs? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair with a fine‑tooth comb, concentrating on the behind‑ear and neck areas, and look for tiny, oval nits firmly attached to each strand. Use a bright light and systematically section the hair to improve visibility and detect any hidden eggs.
How to find lice eggs? - in detail
Detecting nits requires systematic examination of the scalp and hair. Begin with a well‑lit environment; natural daylight or a bright lamp provides the best contrast. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably with 0.2 mm spacing, to separate strands and capture any attached ova. Work in sections of about 2 cm, starting at the crown and moving outward toward the ears, neck, and nape.
When a nit is present, it appears as a small, oval, tan‑brown or white structure firmly attached to the hair shaft, typically within 1 cm of the scalp. Unlike adult lice, nits do not move. The following checklist helps confirm their presence:
- Visual characteristics: Oval shape, smooth surface, attached at an acute angle to the hair.
- Location: Near the scalp, especially behind the ears, at the hairline, and at the nape.
- Attachment: Firmly glued; attempts to slide the nit along the shaft result in resistance.
- Size: Approximately 0.8 mm in length, comparable to a pinhead.
For individuals with thick, curly, or coily hair, wet the hair with a mild conditioner to reduce tangles, then comb through slowly to avoid breaking the shaft and missing nits. In light‑colored hair, use a dark background (e.g., a black towel) to enhance contrast. For very fine hair, a magnifying lens (10×) can reveal eggs that are otherwise difficult to discern.
After locating nits, isolate them by placing the comb and any collected material in a sealed container for disposal. Follow up with an appropriate treatment regimen—chemical or mechanical—to eradicate the infestation and prevent re‑infestation. Regular inspections, performed every 2–3 days for two weeks, ensure that newly hatched lice are detected early.