How to identify lice? - briefly
Look for live, grayish‑brown insects about the size of a sesame seed crawling on the scalp and for oval, white or yellowish eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts within a quarter‑inch of the skin. Persistent itching and a sensation of movement, especially after washing, also indicate infestation.
How to identify lice? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice requires a systematic visual examination of the scalp and hair. Begin with clean, dry hair; wet hair can obscure the insects. Separate strands using a fine‑toothed comb, moving from the scalp outward. Inspect each section for three distinct signs:
- Live insects: small, wingless, crab‑shaped bodies about 2–4 mm long, typically gray‑brown or tan. They cling tightly to hair shafts and move rapidly when disturbed.
- Nits: oval, cemented eggs attached to the shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp. Fresh nits appear translucent; older ones turn amber or brown. They are firmly glued and will not detach with gentle pulling.
- Scalp irritation: redness, itching, or small red bumps caused by bites or allergic reactions.
To improve accuracy, perform the inspection in a well‑lit area or use a magnifying lens. Repeat the process on both sides of the head, behind the ears, and at the nape. If any live lice or viable nits are found, confirm identification by noting the characteristic shape of the head‑lice egg shell and the presence of a hatched nymph within 7–10 days. Absence of these elements after a thorough combing session indicates no infestation.