How to look for lice on oneself? - briefly
Examine the scalp and hair under bright light, using a fine-tooth comb to separate sections and check the hair shaft near the roots for live insects or attached nits. Pay special attention to the area behind the ears, the neck, and the crown, and repeat the inspection after a few days to verify any findings.
How to look for lice on oneself? - in detail
Inspecting your own scalp requires adequate lighting, a fine‑toothed comb, and a systematic approach. Begin in a well‑lit area or use a bright lamp to eliminate shadows that can hide parasites. Separate the hair into sections of about two inches; secure each section with a clip or elastic band before moving to the next.
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Examine the hair shafts – Run the comb from the scalp outward, counting each pass. After each stroke, wipe the comb on a white tissue or paper towel. Look for live insects, which appear as tan or gray bodies about the size of a sesame seed, and for nits, which are oval, translucent, and attached firmly to the shaft within a quarter‑inch of the scalp.
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Check the neck and behind the ears – Lice favor warm, sheltered zones. Part the hair in these areas and repeat the combing procedure.
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Inspect the crown and part line – The top of the head and the natural hair part are common infestation sites. Use a magnifying glass if necessary to confirm the presence of nits.
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Confirm attachment – Gently tug on any suspected nit. If it slides easily, it is likely a stray egg or debris; if it resists and remains attached, it is a viable specimen.
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Document findings – Record the number of live insects and attached eggs. This information guides treatment decisions and helps monitor progress after intervention.
If no lice or nits are observed after a thorough examination of all zones, the risk of infestation is low. If any are found, proceed with an approved pediculicide, repeat the inspection after 7–10 days, and continue until no live insects are detected. Regular self‑checks every one to two weeks during an outbreak prevent re‑infestation.