Head lice infestations are common, especially among school-aged children. Discovering tiny specks on the hair can raise questions. Distinguishing between live and dead lice eggs, known as nits, is important for determining appropriate next steps. Live nits indicate an ongoing issue requiring treatment, while dead nits are simply remnants that do not pose a threat.
Understanding Lice Eggs
Nits are the reproductive stage of head lice. Female lice lay these small, oval-shaped eggs directly onto individual hair shafts. They are typically found very close to the scalp, within about 6 millimeters (1/4 inch), as scalp warmth is necessary for hatching. A female louse firmly attaches each egg with a strong, glue-like substance, making them difficult to remove.
Nits are tiny, often confused with dandruff or product residue. Unlike these, nits are securely glued to the hair and do not easily flake or brush off. Live nits vary in color from white, yellow, beige, or pale brown, becoming darker as they mature and approach hatching.
Identifying Dead Lice Eggs
Distinguishing dead from live nits involves several visual characteristics. Dead lice eggs often appear duller, darker, or brownish/black, especially if the embryo died before hatching. In contrast, empty nit casings left after a louse has hatched are typically translucent, white, or grayish. These empty shells may also look shriveled or flattened.
The nit’s location on the hair shaft provides another clue. As hair grows, nits further than about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) from the scalp are likely dead or have already hatched. Nits remain firmly attached to the hair shaft due to the strong adhesive secreted by the female louse, and they will not fall off on their own.
What to Do After Finding Dead Eggs
If you identify only dead lice eggs and no live lice, active treatment may not be necessary. Dead nits do not pose a risk of spreading lice or continuing an infestation. However, continued visual inspection of the hair is recommended for one to two weeks to ensure no new live eggs or lice appear.
Manual removal of dead nits is often performed for cosmetic reasons. A fine-toothed nit comb is an effective tool for this purpose. Wetting the hair and using conditioner can help detangle and make combing easier. Regularly cleaning the comb by rinsing it in hot, soapy water helps remove any collected nits.