The only way to confirm a head louse infection is to find a live moving louse on the head, and the best way to do that is to use a good detection method. ‘Detection Combing’ is thought to be one of the best detection methods, it is described in detail below:

Detection Combing

• You will need:
  • A plastic detector comb
  • An ordinary comb
  • Tissue paper
  • Good lighting
  • Time (approximately 20 minutes for average hair)
• Wash the hair with a normal shampoo.
• Apply enough conditioner to cover the hair thoroughly.
• Comb the hair with an ordinary comb to remove any tangles.
• If the hair is long, separate into sections to make combing easier.
• Start with the teeth of the detection comb touching the scalp and draw the comb carefully towards the edge of the hair.
• After each stroke, check the teeth of the comb (in good light) for lice and, if necessary, use a piece of tissue to wipe the conditioner from the comb to look for lice.
• Continue to comb each section thoroughly until the whole head is done, this can take anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour.
• If there are any head lice present, you should find one on the teeth of the comb.
• If you find something and you are not sure what it is, stick it to a piece of paper and show it to your pharmacist or doctor/nurse for advice.
• If you detect a head louse infection, speak to your pharmacist about the best treatment to meet your needs.
• For more information about treatment click here