Visual Exam for Lice During a visual exam for head lice, the
hair on the head is parted with the fingers so that the scalp
can be seen. The doctor or child's parent looks for tiny live
lice[about 3 mm (0.12 in.) to 4 mm (0.16 in.) long, or the size
of a sesame seed]. If you are checking your child or someone
else for lice, it may be helpful to use a handheld magnifying
glass or have another person help you. The doctor may use a
special light called a Woods lamp in a darkened room to see the
lice better. - Lice move quickly to avoid light, so they may be
difficult to see. - Eggs (nits) are small and white or light
brown. They are usually found on the hair shaft close to the
scalp. They do not slide up and down the hair shaft. - If eggs
are found farther from the scalp, the person may have been
infested with lice for some time. If the eggs have already
hatched, the empty egg cases may appear white. Pubic lice may
look like yellowish brown or gray specks or small scabs. They
are smaller than head lice [about 1 m