How to Identify and Manage Lice Eggs under a Microscope

Appearance of Lice Eggs (Nits)

Lice eggs, also called nits, are tiny oval-shapeds shells that attach to strands of hair near the scalp. They appear yellowish-white or pale grey and are normally found within 1⁄4 inch of the scalp.

Size and Shape

Nits range from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm in length, roughly the size of the head of a pin. Their oval shape allows them to tightly grip onto hair shafts.

Color and Texture

Lice eggs blend in with the host’s natural hair color but appear more white or grey. Under a microscope, they look chalky with a bumpy, coarse texture on the surface.

What’s Inside a Louse Egg

The egg capsule contains the developing nymph that will hatch into a juvenile louse within 6-10 days. The legs, eyes, and organs of the nymph can be seen inside the translucent nit casing.

Difference Between Larvae, Nymphs and Adult Lice

There are three life stages of head lice:

Larvae

Newly hatched lice are called larvae. They emerge from eggs within 6-10 days of the eggs being laid. Larvae are tiny, growing first instar lice that must feed on blood immediately to mature.

Nymphs

After feeding on blood, the larva develops into a nymph. Nymphs are larger, second and third instar juvenile louse forms. Nymphs mature into reproductive adults within 1-2 weeks after hatching.

Adult Lice

Mature adult lice are wingless insects about the size of a sesame seed and tan to greyish-white in color. Adult female lice can lay up to 10 eggs per day and survive for up to 30 days on the human scalp.

Locating Lice Eggs Under a Microscope

The best way to inspect for lice eggs is to use a magnifying lens or microscope when examining hair. Here are some tips for identification:

Check Several Locations

Carefully inspect hair in multiple spots around the scalp, especially behind the ears and near the nape of the neck where eggs tend to lodge.

Distinguish Casings From Dandruff

Dandruff or lint particles can resemble eggs but will not be attached to hair strands like real nits. Gently tug to test if items are anchored in place.

Confirm Viability

A microscope allows you to see legs and eyes inside live eggs vs. hatched or non-viable eggs. Dead eggs may appear more yellowish or deflated.

Compare Nymphs and Adults

Microscopy helps differentiate crawling nymphs and adults from egg casings lodged on hair, indicating active infestation.

Dealing With a Lice Infestation

If lice eggs or live lice are spotted, take measures quickly to kill them and stop transmission:

Medicated Lice Shampoos

Treatment shampoos containing pyrethroids like permethrin kill nymphs and adult lice. Some resistance may occur over repeated use.

Combs and Brushes

Lice combs or special nit combs can mechanically remove eggs from hair strands without chemicals.

Household Cleaning

Wash clothes, bedding, brushes, hats, towels on hot cycle then dry on high heat to destroy stray lice.

Prevent Reinfestation

Retreat hair in 7-10 days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs before mature adults can lay more eggs to continue the cycle.

Who's At Risk and How Lice Spreads

Lice infestations often arise in children but can affect any age. Here's information on transmission:

Common in Elementary Schools

Preschools and elementary children 3-10 years old have close contact and share items making nits spread rapidly in these settings.

Shared Hats, Brushes, Pillows

Lice crawl; they cannot hop or fly. Transfer occurs by direct hair-to-hair contact or by picking up fallen eggs on combs, clothing, bedding.

Household Contacts

Family members, caregivers and others in close quarters with an infected person have higher risk of exposure to head lice.

Girls More Prone Than Boys

Girls tend to play in closer proximity, have longer hair, and share brushes making lice transmission more common than in boys.

Preventing Head Lice Infestations

Here are some key tips to keep lice and nits from spreading:

No Head-to-Head Contact

Teach children to avoid leaning and touching heads with other students which enables crawling lice to transfer.

Individual Combs and Hats

Do not share combs, brushes, hair accessories, helmets or hats to reduce transmitting stray nits or lice.

Regular Screening

Check your child’s head weekly for signs of live lice or eggs clinging to hair close to the scalp using proper magnification.

Stay Home When Infected

If lice are detected, inform your school nurse and keep your child home until treated to avoid spreading nits or lice to others.

The Takeaway on Identifying Lice and Eggs Under Microscope

Head lice are highly contagious wingless insects that can rapidly spread, especially among school children. Learning to recognize small, grey/white oval lice eggs (nits) anchored to hair and spotting live nymphs or adult lice using a microscope allows for prompt treatment.

Medicated shampoos, combs, household cleaning, re-treating hair and preventative measures can help eliminate existing lice and stop recurrent transmission.