What is nit bracket?

Nit brackets, also known as egg casings or capsules, are the empty shells left behind after lice nymphs hatch. They are a common sign of a previous lice infestation, even after the lice themselves have been removed. Nit brackets are typically translucent or white and remain firmly attached to hair shafts.

• Appearance: These are often described as empty, deflated nit casings that are more visible than unhatched nits due to their lighter color.

• Attachment: Nit brackets adhere strongly to the hair shaft, close to the scalp, using a glue-like substance secreted by the louse. This makes them difficult to remove.

• Differentiation: It's important to distinguish nit brackets from viable nits (eggs that haven't hatched), dandruff, or hair casts. Viable nits are usually closer to the scalp and appear more full or plump.

• Significance: While nit brackets themselves are not infectious, their presence indicates a past lice infestation, and further inspection is needed to confirm whether an active infestation still exists.