Head lice are a common concern, particularly among school-aged children. Identifying their presence is the first step in addressing an infestation. These tiny insects live on the human scalp, feeding on small amounts of blood. While head lice are not a health hazard and do not spread disease, they can cause discomfort. Checking for head lice and their eggs, known as nits, is important for management.
Recognizing the Signs
An itchy scalp is the most common indicator of a head lice infestation, often resulting from an allergic reaction to louse bites. This itching typically occurs behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, areas where lice prefer to reside. A person may also describe a tickling sensation or a feeling of something moving in their hair. Prolonged scratching can lead to small red bumps or sores on the scalp, which may occasionally become irritated. Difficulty sleeping can also occur, as head lice are most active during nighttime hours.
Essential Tools for Inspection
Specific tools are required for a thorough head lice inspection. A fine-toothed lice comb, preferably metal, is effective for catching adult lice and their eggs. Good lighting, such as natural light or a bright lamp, provides optimal visibility. Hair clips or ties are useful for sectioning the hair. A magnifying glass can aid in identifying tiny nits or fast-moving lice. A towel or cape helps catch any dislodged lice or nits, and tissues or paper towels are needed to wipe the comb clean.
Step-by-Step Head Lice Check
Begin the inspection by seating the individual comfortably in a well-lit area. Applying a generous amount of hair conditioner to dry hair can help stun lice for about 20 minutes, making them easier to see and comb out. Carefully detangle the hair with a regular comb to prevent unnecessary pulling. Next, divide the hair into small, manageable sections.
Starting at the nape of the neck or behind the ears, place the fine-toothed lice comb against the scalp at the root of a small hair section. Slowly pull the comb through the hair strand, from the scalp to the ends. After each pass, examine the comb for lice or nits and wipe it clean. Repeat this combing process systematically across the entire head. This inspection, focusing on areas like behind the ears and the nape of the neck, typically takes at least 15 minutes.
Confirming Lice and Nits
Identifying head lice and nits requires distinguishing them from other particles in the hair. Adult head lice are tiny, wingless insects, typically grayish-white or tan, about the size of a sesame seed (2-3 millimeters). They possess six legs with claws, allowing them to grip hair strands tightly and move quickly across the scalp, often avoiding light. Nymphs, or immature lice, resemble adults but are much smaller, often the size of a pinhead, maturing within 7 to 15 days.
Lice eggs, known as nits, are oval or teardrop-shaped and firmly attached to individual hair shafts with a strong, glue-like substance. They are very small (approximately 0.8 millimeters long) and can appear white, yellowish, tan, or translucent. Nits are typically found close to the scalp, usually within 1/4 inch (6 millimeters) of the hair root, where warmth aids incubation. Unlike nits, dandruff flakes easily from the hair and scalp, appearing irregular and lacking the consistent oval or teardrop shape. If a speck can be flicked or brushed off the hair strand with ease, it is likely dandruff or hair product residue, not a nit.