How to Tell if Your Child Has Lice Posted on October 20, 2017 “A case of head lice has been detected in your child’s class.” It’s a note no parent wants to receive! But how do you know what to look for? Connecticut Children’s primary care physician Paula Lucuara Revelo, MD shares an easy, step-by-step way to check for lice or nits (lice eggs). How to check for lice and nits: First, grab a fine-tooth comb. If your child’s hair is long, you’ll also need a few hair ties. Have your child sit in a well-lit area. If hair is long, part it in the center, and tie into pigtails. Check the nape of the neck and behind the ears. These are hotspots for lice. Undo one of the pigtails and, using a fine-tooth comb, slowly fan through sections of the hair, and work your way to the top. Repeat throughout the entire head. What to do if you find lice or nits: If you do find nits or lice, call your pediatrician and follow the prescribed treatment plan. Wash clothes, bed linens, towels and anything that touches the head. Put non-washable items like stuffed animals and decorative pillows in the dryer for 20 minutes, or in a sealed bag for two weeks.
