What do lice nits look like on the head? - briefly
Nits are tiny, oval, creamy‑white or yellowish eggs firmly cemented to the hair shaft about a millimeter from the scalp, resembling small, immovable specks of dandruff. They are typically located within a half‑inch of the scalp and stay attached until the larvae emerge.
What do lice nits look like on the head? - in detail
Lice eggs, commonly called nits, are tiny, oval‑shaped structures firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp. They measure approximately 0.8 mm in length, about the size of a pinhead, and are slightly flattened on one side where they adhere to the strand. The color varies with age: freshly laid nits appear creamy white or yellowish; as they mature, they turn tan, brown, or gray, often resembling dandruff but remaining immobile.
Key visual identifiers:
- Attachment point: positioned within ¼ inch (6 mm) of the scalp, where warmth promotes development. Nits are glued with a cement‑like secretion that resists normal combing.
- Shape: elongated oval with a smooth, glossy surface; the lower side may show a tiny, crescent‑shaped indentation where the egg is anchored.
- Color progression: white → pale yellow → tan/ brown → dark gray, depending on the developmental stage.
- Mobility: immobile; attempts to slide a nit along the hair shaft will fail, unlike flakes of skin or seborrheic dermatitis that shift easily.
- Location pattern: clusters often found behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline; less common on the crown or front hairline.
Distinguishing nits from other scalp debris:
- Adherence: nits remain fixed despite gentle brushing; dandruff flakes fall off or move.
- Proximity to scalp: nits stay close to the skin; debris may be found farther down the shaft.
- Surface texture: nits have a smooth, slightly reflective coating; dandruff is matte and flaky.
Recognizing these characteristics enables accurate detection and appropriate treatment.