How to check for head LICE on a 9 year old boy?

Question

I used a black fine comb it looks like dandruff from a dry scalp. Would the lice stick to the fine comb. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Lice eggs look like very small pieces of dandruff stuck to hairs. They are glued to the hair so they usually won't come off with just a comb.

I've treated my daughter for head lice. I couldn't stand the idea of her absorbing poisons through her scalp with conventional treatments. So, I used the following treatment:

1) mix one part mineral oil and one part vinegar (the mineral oil will sufforcate the lice and the vinegar disolves the egg cement so the eggs fall off the hair)
2) apply this mixture liberally to hair and place a shower cap on your child's head so that it doesn't get everywhere
3) leave this mixture on for 30 minutes
4) wash hair

Your child's hair will be very oily because of the mineral oil; however, this is a good thing! Lice don't like oily hair.

It may take as long as 3 or 4 days to get out the "oily" look but this is better than head lice in my opinion.

Educate your child on how they get head lice. If your child is a girl, pony-tail the hair for school. You can also use gel, lice don't lice gel either.

This method is non-toxic and I have proven it to work in my family. You just have to put up with the oily and smelly hair for a few days.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Dandruff will flake off or you can blow it off of the hair strand. Lice will look more white or transparant and will only slide up and down the strand of hair. If you flick it and it stays on the hair when the hair is held straight, then it is probably lice. A fine comb not designed for lice will probably not pull them off the hair. there are special combs for lice, and they still only remove a percentage of the lice. Go to a well-lit area and hold the hair up as much as possible and look in the light. Check small sections of hair at a time. If you are still unsure, purchase some NIX and follow the directions. Need more advice email me: [e-mail]

Answer 3

dont you think that if the comb was silver you would be able to see those creepy crawlies a bit easier?
and to answer your question correctly use tea tree oil on the hair and get a white or silver comb(its easier to see them then the black ones) because when you pour the oil onto the hair mix it in then go over with the comb.
the lice can stick to the comb only because its attached to the hair.
but with the tea tree oil the lice can't grip to the hair.
if you google search on head lice it will show you what they look like, and the eggs are white they are shaped like an oval or tear drop it depends.
hope this is enough information for you.

Answer 4

Best bet is to buy a lice comb from your pharmacy for a few bucks, if you want to check right now, a very fine comb may work. If you only find nits, there is no need to use the shampoo unless you find live lice, they are becoming more resistant to the lice shampoos on the market, don't contribute to the overuse of these products.

Answer 5

Lice will get caught in the comb (a SPECIAL comb in a lice kit) not just any comb, and you can pick them out. They are easily distinguished from flaky dandruff. This sounds gross but if you think you got one, pick it out and try popping it between your nails. If it pops, that means it's alive and he needs to be treated. **The best way to find lice is to go through the hair and they're usually clinging to like the nape of the neck close to the hairline and near the root.

Answer 6

You can get a special comb from the drug store. it is specially made for it and the lice would get stuck to it. just run it through the boys hair, after showering works the best. It should work better than a comb

Answer 7

If he has an infestion of lice, you can see the eggs on the hair shaft. They are clear very small clumps that encircle a single hair. No, they don't look like dandruff as you comb them out. If you look very closely, you can see the adult lice hiding in his hair. They are small and flat, kind of flesh colored. It isn't unusual for kids to get head lice. Please go to this website for some very good info on head lice and how to get rid of them. http://www.msmosquito.com/headlice.html

Answer 8

The lice may get caught by the comb. But the nits (eggs) may not. They are hard to remove...

The best way to remove them is with your fingers one at a time...(just like the monkey's at the zoo. I know it's gross sounding, but trust me it's the easiest way) Just section off the hair and start searching...I bright light helps, a magnifying lens helps...if he has dark hair, it will be harder...You may want to wet the hair first, sometimes they show up better that way.

He can lay down and watch TV while you do this, just tell him to be still...Make sure you dispose of the nits properly, you dont want them around!

If you can trim his hair short, that will help alot.

Dont forget to change and washt the bedding etc, in hot water. If he is infested, you may want to try a lice treatment that is available otc...Your Doc may have stronger treatments if needed...

Remember, they are gross, but generally harmless and not a medical problem. Dont get him worked up about it, he's probably freaked out enough...and embarassed. Lots of kids get them...

Answer 9

Get a Lice comb, a very fine tooth comb

Comb his hair look at the comb you will see them.

If he Has them there is a special shampoo for it.
I'd also get rid of his pillow case.

Answer 10

To see if it is dandruff or lice:
Try to scrape the piece off. If it flies away or moves, then it is dandruff. If it is lice, it will stay on that strand of hair. If it sticks, take your fingers, close it onto the hair, and pull it out, then stick it on a piece of tape.