How to know that lice are being killed? - briefly
Dead lice are immobile, often turn pale or brown, and show no reaction when disturbed; the absence of crawling insects and live nits further confirms their elimination.
How to know that lice are being killed? - in detail
Observing the cessation of activity provides the most direct indication that the parasites have been eradicated. Live lice move rapidly, cling to hair shafts, and feed on blood. After effective treatment, the following signs confirm mortality:
- Inactivity: bodies remain motionless even when gently brushed or tapped.
- Color shift: insects turn from a translucent or brownish hue to a dull, grayish tone.
- Desiccation: exoskeletons become brittle and may crack.
- Absence of feeding marks: no fresh blood stains on hair or scalp.
- Lack of egg development: nits no longer show signs of embryonic growth, such as a darkened operculum.
Verification methods enhance confidence in the result:
- Visual inspection with a magnifying lens. Examine sections of hair from the crown to the nape; any moving or crawling organisms indicate survival.
- Fine-tooth combing. Run a lice comb through damp hair from root to tip, wiping the comb after each pass. Collect any captured specimens; dead lice will not escape.
- Microscopic examination. Place a few collected insects on a slide and observe under low magnification. Absence of leg movement confirms death.
- Lice detection kits. Some products contain adhesive strips that trap insects; a clean strip after the recommended interval signals success.
- Follow‑up schedule. Re‑examine the scalp at 24‑hour, 48‑hour, and 7‑day intervals. Persistent lack of live lice across these checkpoints validates the treatment’s effectiveness.
If any of the above observations reveal movement, coloration typical of live insects, or newly hatched nymphs, additional treatment cycles are required. Consistent documentation of findings eliminates uncertainty and ensures complete elimination.