How to identify lice nits? - briefly
Examine hair under bright light, concentrating on the scalp; nits are 0.5–1 mm oval, translucent‑to‑brown shells firmly attached to the shaft within a quarter inch of the skin. They remain stationary when brushed and lack a visible embryo, separating them from dandruff or hair debris.
How to identify lice nits? - in detail
Lice eggs, commonly called nits, are tiny, oval structures firmly attached to hair shafts. Their size ranges from 0.8 mm to 1 mm, making them barely visible without magnification. A reliable inspection requires a fine-tooth comb, a bright light source, and optionally a magnifying glass or portable microscope.
Key visual characteristics:
- Shape: Oval, slightly elongated, resembling a miniature bead.
- Color: Initially white or translucent; darkens to yellow‑brown as the embryo matures.
- Attachment: Cemented to the hair within 1 mm of the scalp, often at the base of the shaft. The cement is strong; nits cannot be brushed off easily.
- Orientation: The pointed end faces the scalp, the broader end points away.
Differentiating nits from dandruff or hair debris:
- Dandruff flakes are loose, can be brushed away, and lack a solid attachment point.
- Nits remain stationary on the hair shaft despite vigorous combing.
- The cement appears as a small, glistening line at the base of the egg.
Systematic examination procedure:
- Prepare the area – Part the hair into sections of 1‑2 cm using a fine comb. Work on a well‑lit surface or use a handheld lamp.
- Inspect each section – Hold the hair strand taut and examine the base of each shaft under magnification. Look for the characteristic oval shape and cement line.
- Mark suspect items – Use a water‑soluble marker to note locations of potential nits for later confirmation.
- Confirm by removal – Gently pull the suspected egg with the comb. A true nit will resist removal and may break; a false positive will slide off easily.
- Document findings – Record the number and distribution of confirmed eggs to assess infestation severity.
Additional tips for accurate detection:
- Conduct the inspection on a dark background to increase contrast.
- Perform the check in the morning when lice are less active and less likely to move.
- Repeat the examination every 3‑4 days for two weeks, as newly hatched nymphs may be mistaken for adult lice.
By following these steps and focusing on the described morphological cues, identification of lice eggs can be performed efficiently and with minimal error.