Head lice are a common problem, especially among children. These tiny, wingless insects live on the scalp and feed on human blood. An infestation of head lice is known as pediculosis. Head lice spread easily through close personal contact and by sharing belongings like hats, combs, and pillows. They do not indicate poor hygiene and can affect anyone. Getting rid of head lice requires treatment with special medicated shampoos or lotions and diligently combing out the nits (lice eggs). With proper treatment and prevention methods, lice can be controlled and eliminated. Many parents wonder if using a blacklight to check for head lice really works. So, do lice show up under a blacklight?
Do Lice Glow Under a Blacklight?
Using a blacklight, also called a UV light or Wood’s lamp, is sometimes recommended as a way to detect lice and nits in hair. The theory is that the shells of lice and nits will fluoresce under the ultraviolet light, making them easy to spot. However, studies have found that this method is not very reliable. UV light causes lice and nits to fluoresce only some of the time. There are a few reasons why blacklights produce inconsistent results:
Lice shells don’t always fluoresce
The exoskeletons of lice and their eggs contain an amino acid called tryptophan. Under UV light, tryptophan can produce a pale blue or white glow. However, the amount of tryptophan present can vary. Shells with less of this amino acid will not be as visible under a blacklight.
Other hair care products can fluoresce
Many hair products – like gels, mousses, conditioners, and sprays – can also glow under blacklights. So relying solely on a blacklight may lead to false positives as these products could be mistaken for lice or nits. The fluorescence of hair products makes it harder to differentiate any actual lice.
Lice move away from light
Lice dislike light and will actively retreat from any illumination. When a blacklight is directed at the scalp, any lice present are likely to scurry away into the depths of the hair shafts. This makes them much harder to detect with the blacklight.
Dead lice shells may not fluoresce
Blacklights work best on detecting live lice. Shells of dead lice often do not contain as much tryptophan and can lose their ability to fluoresce. Empty nit casings also will not glow at all under UV light. So blacklights can miss both dead lice and empty nits.
Nits can blend in with hair
While new nits may stand out somewhat under a blacklight, older nits often appear similar in color to hair. Their casings can accumulate a layer of melanin from the hair which camouflages them. This makes the nits much harder to spot, even with a blacklight.
Other Methods for Detecting Lice
While blacklights are unreliable for lice detection, there are other methods that work better:
Visual inspection
Carefully looking through the hair and scalp is still one of the most effective ways to find lice and nits. Both live lice and eggs are small and can be tricky to spot. Using a bright light, comb, and magnifying lens can help. Concentrate on inspecting around the neckline and behind the ears.
Wet combing
Using a lice comb on wet, conditioned hair can remove live lice. The moisture immobilizes the lice, allowing them to be combed out. This method also removes some eggs.
Detection combs
There are special nit combs equipped with teeth spaced very close together. These teeth snare lice and nits as the comb is pulled through the hair shaft. This provides a mechanical way to find and extract lice.
| Detection Method | How it Works | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Blacklight | UV light causes lice shells to fluoresce inconsistently | Not reliable, many false results |
| Visual inspection | Uses bright light, comb, and magnifying lens to directly see lice | Very effective when done thoroughly |
| Wet combing | Conditioned, wet hair allows live lice to be combed out | Removes live lice well |
| Detection comb | Fine-toothed comb traps lice and nits as it combs through hair | Effective mechanical removal method |
Treatment Options for Lice
If lice or nits are found in the hair, there are a few options for getting rid of an infestation:
Medicated shampoos and rinses
Special lice-killing shampoos contain insecticides like permethrin or pyrethrin. Some are also available as rinses and gels. They work by poisoning lice but are safe for humans when used properly.
Wet combing
Frequently combing out wet, conditioned hair using a nit comb can remove live lice and eggs over time. This non-chemical method requires diligence.
Oral medication
Ivermectin and other oral lice medications can be prescribed to kill lice. A doctor should be consulted first before starting any oral medication.
Natural remedies
Some natural options like oils, mayonnaise, and hot air can suffocate and remove some lice. These methods are often used in combination with medicated treatments.
Alternative removal methods
Home remedies like kerosene and gasoline are unsafe and should be avoided. Battery-powered “zapper” combs also do not work well.
Nit removal
Removal of nits after treatment is recommended by combing or picking them out. This helps prevent self-reinfestation.
Household cleaning
Lice can briefly survive off a human host. So bedding, furniture, car seats, and other items should be vacuumed and washed thoroughly.
Prevention of Lice
Some tips to help prevent and control lice include:
Regular checking
Frequently inspect children’s hair, especially if there is an outbreak at school. Catching lice early makes treatment easier.
Avoid head-to-head contact
Lice spread through head-to-head touch, so limiting this contact can reduce transmission.
Do not share items
Disallow sharing of combs, brushes, hats, helmets, hair ties, and other personal items.
Soak combs and brushes
After use, soak combs and hair brushes in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5-10 minutes to kill any lice or nits.
Wash and dry bedding
Use hot water and dry on high heat to kill any stray lice or nits lingering on sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and stuffed animals.
Clean around the home
Vacuum furniture and carpets to remove loose hairs or nits contain lice. Discard the vacuum bag outside immediately.
Conclusion
Blacklights produce inconsistent results for detecting head lice and nits. While lice shells can sometimes fluoresce under UV light, many factors can cause false readings. Visual inspection, wet combing, and nit combs are more reliable methods for finding lice. If an infestation is found, there are various chemical and non-chemical treatment options. With vigilance, proper treatment, and prevention habits, lice can be successfully controlled and eliminated. Consistent checking, good hygiene, and not sharing personal items can help prevent future lice outbreaks.
