How to quickly check if there are lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair closely, separating sections with a fine-tooth comb and looking for live nits attached within ¼ inch of the scalp or moving insects. Focus on the neck, behind ears, and at the hairline for rapid detection.
How to quickly check if there are lice? - in detail
Detecting head‑lice infestations promptly relies on systematic visual assessment and specialized tools. Begin with a well‑lit environment; natural daylight or a bright lamp provides optimal contrast. Separate the hair into small sections, preferably 1‑2 cm wide, and examine each strand from scalp to tip. Look for live insects, which appear as gray‑white, oval bodies about the size of a sesame seed, and for nits, which are oval, firm, and attached firmly to the hair shaft within ¼ inch of the scalp.
Employ a fine‑tooth lice comb (spacing 0.2–0.3 mm) on wet or conditioned hair. Run the comb from the root to the tip in a single, steady motion; after each pass, wipe the teeth on a white tissue or rinse them in a bowl of water. The presence of multiple live insects or nits clinging to the comb indicates infestation. Repeat the process on all sections, ensuring no area is missed.
Use a handheld magnifying lens (2–3× magnification) to verify ambiguous findings. Under magnification, live lice exhibit movement, while nits show a curved, oval shape and a distinct attachment point. A lack of movement after a few minutes confirms a dead specimen.
Commercial detection sprays contain a color‑changing dye that adheres to lice and nits, highlighting them against the hair. Apply according to product instructions, wait the specified time, then repeat the combing procedure. Positive staining coupled with visual confirmation confirms the presence of parasites.
If lice or viable nits are identified, isolate the affected individual, wash bedding and clothing in hot water (≥ 60 °C), and begin an appropriate treatment regimen. Re‑inspection after 7–10 days, using the same systematic approach, ensures eradication and prevents re‑infestation.