How to recognize the presence of lice? - briefly
Inspect the scalp and hair for live insects about the size of sesame seeds, their translucent nits attached close to the scalp, and persistent itching. Visible crawling lice, especially near the neck and behind the ears, confirm an infestation.
How to recognize the presence of lice? - in detail
Lice infestations become apparent through several observable signs. Adult insects are about the size of a sesame seed, gray‑brown, and move quickly across the scalp. Their eggs, commonly called nits, appear as tiny, oval, yellow‑white bodies firmly attached to the hair shaft within a half‑centimetre of the scalp. Because the cement that secures nits is resistant to washing, they remain visible even after shampooing.
Typical symptoms include:
- Persistent itching caused by an allergic reaction to saliva injected during feeding.
- A crawling or tickling sensation on the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Small red bumps or localized irritation where bites have occurred.
- Presence of translucent or brownish specks that can be brushed off with a fine‑tooth comb.
Effective inspection follows a systematic approach:
- Separate a small section of hair at the crown, behind one ear, and at the back of the neck.
- Use a magnifying lens (10× is sufficient) to examine the hair shaft for nits that are positioned at an angle, not lying flat.
- Run a fine‑tooth comb from the scalp outward, wiping the comb blade after each pass to capture any dislodged insects or eggs.
- Repeat the process on the opposite side of the head and on any additional family members who share close contact.
Additional clues may arise from the environment. Bedding, hats, scarves, and hair accessories can harbor live lice or freshly laid eggs. A quick visual sweep of these items, followed by washing at temperatures above 50 °C or sealing in plastic bags for two weeks, helps confirm an outbreak.
If inspection yields no live insects but numerous nits are present, the infestation is in an early stage. In such cases, prompt removal of nits and a repeat examination after 7‑10 days are advisable to catch newly hatched nymphs before they mature.
The combination of visual confirmation of adult lice, detection of firmly attached nits, and the characteristic itching pattern provides a reliable method for diagnosing an infestation.