|
|
|
How is head lice infestation diagnosed?
An infestation is diagnosed by looking closely through the hair and
scalp for nits, nymphs, or adults. Finding a nymph or adult may be
difficult; there are usually few of them and they can move quickly
from searching fingers. If crawling lice are not seen, finding nits
within a 1/4 inch of the scalp confirms that a person is infested
and should be treated. If you only find nits more than 1/4 inch from
the scalp (and don't see a nymph or adult louse), the infestation
is probably an old one and does not need to be treated. If you are
not sure if a person has head lice, the diagnosis should be made by
your health care provider, school nurse, or a professional from the
local health department or agricultural extension service.
|
|
|
|
|
|
