Scientific name: Pediculus humanus capitis
Identification:
Egg/Nit: White or yellowish brown in colour. They are attached to strands of hair newar the scalp
Adult: About the size of a sesame seed (~3 mm). Tan to greyish white in colour. They might look darker in people with dark hair than in people with light hair.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is best made by finding live nymphs and adults on the scalp or hair of the person.
Use a bright light to look at:
- Crown of the head
- The fringe
- Behind both ears
- Nape of the neck
Examine for Head lice:
- Put on rubber gloves on hands
- Use fingers to separate hair and create a part which would allow you to see the scalp. A fine toothed comb can also be used.
- Look for lice crawling on the scalp
- Look for nits about 6.0–7.0 mm from the scalp.
- Look behind both ears and the nape as you may see nits, adult lice, or bites.