How to know that you have lice? - briefly
Check for tiny, white or yellowish eggs (nits) firmly attached within a quarter‑inch of the scalp and for live lice crawling on hair or moving when disturbed; also note persistent itching or a tickling sensation on the scalp, neck, or behind the ears. Use a fine‑tooth comb under bright light to inspect the hair and skin for these signs.
How to know that you have lice? - in detail
A head‑lice infestation presents with several observable signs. The most reliable indicator is the presence of live insects or their eggs attached to hair shafts near the scalp. Adult lice are about 2–4 mm long, grayish‑brown, and move quickly when the hair is disturbed. Nits appear as tiny, oval, white or yellowish specks that are firmly cemented to the hair strand; they cannot be brushed off easily.
Typical symptoms include:
- Intense itching, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva.
- A feeling of movement on the scalp, often described as “something crawling.”
- Red or irritated spots where lice have bitten.
- Occasional visible blood stains on pillows or clothing from scratching.
To confirm an infestation, follow these steps:
- Part the hair close to the scalp in sections of about 2 cm using a fine‑toothed comb.
- Examine each section with a magnifying lens or bright light.
- Look for live lice, which will be seen moving, or for nits that are attached at a 45‑degree angle to the hair shaft, within ¼ inch of the scalp.
- Remove any found specimens and place them on a white surface for identification; live lice will move, while dead ones remain still.
- Repeat the inspection after 24 hours to detect newly hatched nits that may have emerged.
If the examination yields live lice or nits meeting the described criteria, the diagnosis is confirmed, and appropriate treatment should begin promptly.