When concern arises about head lice, the desire for a quick and private self-assessment is understandable. An infestation begins when the tiny, wingless parasites transfer primarily through direct head-to-head contact. Although often difficult to spot due to their size and speed, a proper self-check is possible with the correct methods. This careful examination of your scalp and hair is the only way to accurately confirm the presence of these insects or their eggs.
Essential Tools for Self-Examination
An effective self-examination requires specific tools designed to maximize visibility and removal. The most important instrument is a fine-toothed metal lice comb, which features teeth spaced closely enough to trap and remove the insects and their eggs. You will also need two mirrors: a stationary wall mirror and a small handheld mirror. This arrangement is necessary to view the hard-to-reach areas at the back of your head and neck.
A bright, focused light source is needed to illuminate the scalp, as both the lice and their eggs are small and can blend into the hair. White paper towels or tissues should be kept nearby for wiping and inspecting the comb after each pass. Using a white hair conditioner can be helpful, as the slickness temporarily stuns any live lice, making them easier to catch during combing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Self-Checking
Begin by sitting in front of the wall mirror with bright light focused on your head. Use the handheld mirror to view the reflection of the back of your scalp, focusing on the nape of the neck and behind the ears, as lice favor these warmer spots. Detangle your hair completely using a regular comb to prevent the lice comb from snagging.
Divide your hair into several manageable sections, securing them with clips or ties. Checking one section at a time ensures the entire scalp is covered. Place the fine-toothed metal comb firmly against the scalp at the root of a section of hair. Slowly draw the comb straight down the hair shaft, maintaining contact with the scalp for the full pass.
After each stroke, immediately wipe the comb onto the white paper towel. This transfers any debris, lice, or nits onto the white surface for easier identification. Continue this process until the entire head has been thoroughly inspected. The presence of live insects or firmly affixed eggs indicates an active infestation.
Identifying Lice, Nits, and Look-Alikes
The visual differentiation between an actual infestation and harmless debris is necessary for the self-check. Live adult head lice are small, measuring between two and four millimeters, roughly the size of a sesame seed. Their color varies from grayish-white to a reddish-brown tint after feeding. Because live lice move quickly across the scalp, they are often difficult to spot directly.
The eggs, called nits, are generally easier to identify than the adult insects. Nits are tiny, oval-shaped specks, often the size of a poppy seed, cemented firmly to the hair shaft. Viable nits are usually found within a quarter-inch of the scalp, as they require the warmth of the head to hatch. Nits found farther down the hair shaft are either hatched, dead, or non-viable.
It is common to confuse nits with look-alikes such as dandruff, hair spray residue, or hair casts. Dandruff and hair spray flakes are easily distinguished because they are not glued to the hair and can be brushed off the strand. Hair casts are tube-like casings that wrap around the hair shaft, but they can be easily slid along the hair strand and lack the teardrop shape of a louse egg. If a particle resists removal and remains firmly stuck to the hair, it is highly probable it is a nit.
What To Do After Confirmation
If your self-check confirms the presence of live lice or nits close to the scalp, immediately take action. Contact a healthcare provider or pharmacist, who can recommend an appropriate over-the-counter or prescription treatment. While awaiting treatment, isolate and clean the tools used for the inspection.
All combs, brushes, and hair accessories used during the check should be soaked in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) for five to ten minutes to destroy any parasites. Bedding, hats, scarves, or clothing that had recent head contact should be machine-washed using hot water and dried on a high heat setting. This cleaning process helps prevent spread or re-infestation. You should also notify anyone with whom you have had close head-to-head contact recently.