How to find out if there are lice in the hair? - briefly
Examine the scalp using a fine‑tooth comb, looking for live insects and oval, yellow‑white nits attached close to the roots, especially behind the ears and at the nape. Wash the comb in hot water after inspection to prevent spread.
How to find out if there are lice in the hair? - in detail
Detecting the presence of head‑lice requires systematic examination of the scalp and hair. Visual inspection, mechanical removal tools, and diagnostic products each provide reliable evidence.
A thorough visual check begins with the following steps:
- Separate hair into small sections using a fine‑tooth comb or fingers.
- Examine the base of each strand against a light background.
- Look for live insects, which appear as gray‑white oval bodies about the size of a sesame seed.
- Search for nits, the oval, whitish eggs attached firmly to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Use a magnifying lens if necessary to distinguish nits from dandruff or hair spray residue.
Mechanical detection relies on a specialized lice comb. The comb’s teeth are spaced at 0.2 mm to capture both adult insects and eggs. Procedure:
- Dampen hair with water or a light conditioner to reduce slip.
- Run the comb from the scalp outward, section by section.
- After each pass, wipe the comb on a white tissue; any captured specimens become visible.
- Continue until no additional lice or nits appear in the comb.
Commercial detection kits employ adhesive strips or transparent tape applied to the scalp. After a brief waiting period, the tape is removed and examined under a light source. Presence of attached insects confirms infestation.
Key indicators of an outbreak include:
- Persistent itching, especially behind the ears or at the nape.
- Small red bumps or sores caused by biting.
- Visible adult lice or nits during inspection.
If lice or nits are identified, immediate treatment with an approved pediculicide, followed by repeated combing for at least seven days, prevents re‑infestation. Cleaning of personal items—bedding, hats, brushes—using high heat or sealed storage for two weeks eliminates residual eggs. Regular follow‑up checks every 2–3 days for two weeks ensure complete eradication.