Head lice are a common problem, especially for kids in elementary school. The good news is that head lice aren’t dangerous, and they don’t spread disease. The bad news is that they’re itchy, annoying, and easily spread from one person to another.
That’s why it’s important to know how to check for lice yourself — and to do it regularly. Early detection is key to keeping an infestation from spreading and making sure treatment is effective.
This article will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to check for head lice at home.
Preparing for a Head Lice Check
Checking for head lice is a straightforward process, but having the right tools and creating a comfortable environment will make it easier.
Gathering the Necessary Supplies
You’ll want to have these items on hand before you get started:
- Fine-toothed nit comb
- Bright light source
- Magnifying glass
- Tissues
- Plastic bag for disposal
The nit comb is designed to physically remove lice and nits (lice eggs) from the hair shaft. Good lighting and magnification will help you see the tiny lice and even tinier nits.
Creating a Comfortable Environment
Pick a spot with plenty of light where you can easily see the hair and scalp. Make sure that the person you’re checking is comfortable and relaxed. This might mean letting them sit in their favorite chair or watching a show while you work.
A step-by-step guide to checking for head lice
Here’s the best way to check yourself or someone else for lice:
Sectioning the hair
To make sure you’re being thorough, divide the hair into small sections you can easily manage and inspect. Use clips or hair ties to keep the sections separate and organized.
Examining each section
Starting right at the scalp, slowly run a nit comb through each section of hair. Check carefully in the areas behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, since those are the places lice tend to congregate.
After each comb through, wipe the comb on a tissue and look closely to see if you’ve picked up any lice or nits. A magnifying glass may come in handy for this step.
Identifying lice and nits
Here’s what you’re looking for:
- Adult lice: These are small, wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed.
- Nymphs: Nymphs are immature lice. They look like smaller versions of the adults.
- Nits: These are tiny eggs firmly glued to the hair shaft, usually close to the scalp.
It’s important to know the difference between live and dead nits. Live nits are usually close to the scalp, while dead nits are often farther down the hair shaft. Nits more than ¼ inch (6 millimeters) from the scalp are likely dead.
How to check for lice on yourself
Let’s be honest: checking yourself for lice is tricky. It’s hard to get a good look, especially at the back of your head.
If you’re determined to do it yourself, try using two mirrors. Position one in front of you and use the other to see the back of your head in the first mirror.
Another option is to ask a friend or family member to check for you. This is definitely the easier route!
If you’re doing it yourself, pay special attention to the areas that are hard to see, like the back of your neck and behind your ears. Those are lice hotspots.
What to Do If You Find Lice
Okay, so you’ve found lice. Now what?
Choosing a Treatment Option
The first step is to figure out what treatment option is best for you or your child. Talk to your doctor or a pharmacist about over-the-counter and prescription medications.
OTC options typically include permethrin and pyrethrin shampoos and lotions. If those don’t work, you might need a prescription for something like spinosad, malathion, or ivermectin.
Whatever you choose, be sure to read the directions carefully and follow them to the letter. You’ll likely need to repeat the treatment to kill all the lice and nits that hatch after the first go-round.
You can also try wet combing to remove lice and nits. Some people use this as their primary treatment, while others use it along with medication.
Treating the Infested Person
Apply the treatment you’ve chosen exactly as the package or your doctor directs. After the treatment, use a nit comb to carefully remove lice and nits from the hair.
About a week to 10 days later, recheck the hair to make sure all the lice and nits are gone.
Preventing the Spread
The easiest way to prevent the spread of lice is to avoid head-to-head contact with other people. If you know someone has lice, don’t touch heads!
Also, let anyone who’s been in close contact with the infested person know about the lice, and encourage them to check their own hair for lice and nits.
Household Cleaning and Prevention
Once you’ve treated the infestation, you’ll want to thoroughly clean your house to avoid reintroducing the lice.
Cleaning Contaminated Items
Wash all bedding, clothing, and other items that may have come into contact with lice in hot water (130°F/54.4°C). Dry them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes.
For items you can’t wash, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks. This will kill any lice or nits that may be present.
Vacuum carpets, furniture, and other surfaces to remove any stray lice or nits.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you’ve gotten rid of the lice, you’ll want to take steps to prevent future infestations.
Encourage regular head lice checks, especially if there’s an outbreak at school or daycare.
Avoid sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, and hats. These items can easily transmit lice from one person to another.
Consider using lice prevention products, such as shampoos or sprays, especially if you know that lice are circulating in your community.
The Bottom Line
Checking regularly for head lice is worth the time and effort. If you catch an infestation early and treat it quickly, you can get rid of the lice and prevent it from spreading.
Remember to use good lighting, section off the hair, and use a fine-toothed comb to look for nits and live lice, paying close attention to the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
If you’re unsure whether you’ve found lice, or if you have any other concerns, talk with your doctor or a professional lice-removal service.