What does a louse look like in a child's hair? - briefly
A head louse is a tiny, wingless insect about 2–4 mm long, gray‑brown in color, with a flattened body and six clawed legs that grip individual hair strands close to the scalp. It moves slowly, resembling a miniature crab, and may be seen as a small moving speck or as nits attached to the hair shaft.
What does a louse look like in a child's hair? - in detail
Head lice are tiny, wing‑less insects about 2–3 mm long. Their bodies are flattened laterally, giving a crab‑like silhouette that allows them to move easily through hair shafts. The head is broader than the thorax and bears six short, clawed legs, each ending in a pair of tiny hooks that grip individual strands. Color ranges from light gray to brown; live specimens appear translucent, becoming darker after feeding on blood. Their abdomen is segmented, with a visible band of small, pale‑colored eggs (nits) attached near the scalp. Nits are oval, about 0.8 mm in length, and firmly cemented to hair shafts at a 45‑degree angle; they cannot be easily displaced by combing. Adult lice are most often found close to the scalp, especially behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline, where the temperature is optimal for feeding.
Key visual identifiers:
- Size: 2–3 mm (roughly the length of a sesame seed).
- Shape: Flattened, oval body with a broader head; resembles a tiny crab.
- Color: Translucent gray to brown; darkens after a blood meal.
- Legs: Six short legs with hooked claws for gripping hair.
- Nits: Oval, 0.8 mm, firmly attached at an angle, often mistaken for dandruff but do not flake off.
Detection relies on close inspection of the scalp and hair using a fine‑tooth comb or magnifying glass. Live insects move quickly, while nits remain stationary. Recognizing these characteristics enables accurate identification and timely treatment.