A live louse is the clearest confirmation
Finding a crawling nymph or adult louse is the best way to confirm an active infestation. They are small, move quickly, and avoid light, so a fine-toothed lice comb is helpful.
- Seat the person under bright light.
- Part the hair into small sections.
- Start behind the ears and at the nape of the neck.
- Comb slowly from close to the scalp through the ends.
Nits stay attached
Nits are glued firmly to one side of a hair shaft. Dandruff, lint, and hair-product residue usually move or brush away more easily.
CDC says nits within ¼ inch of the scalp may indicate an active infestation. Nits farther away are almost always hatched or dead.
When you are unsure
Misdiagnosis is common. Before using lice medication, ask a healthcare professional, pharmacist, school nurse, or experienced lice-removal professional to confirm what you found.
This article is educational and does not replace advice from your child's clinician or pharmacist. Always follow the current product label and seek professional help when you are unsure.