How can I distinguish lice larvae from dandruff? - briefly
Lice nymphs are live insects about 1–2 mm long, anchored to hair shafts and may move when disturbed; dandruff consists of dry, color‑varying flakes that are easily brushed off and show no movement. Look for motion, attachment, and the presence of a tiny, oval body to differentiate the two.
How can I distinguish lice larvae from dandruff? - in detail
Lice nymphs and scalp flakes may appear together on the hair, but several observable traits allow reliable separation.
The nymphs are live organisms. They cling to hair shafts close to the scalp, often near the base of the hair shaft where warmth is greatest. Their bodies are three‑segmented, measuring about 1–2 mm in length, and they possess a distinct, elongated shape. The ventral side is slightly darker than the dorsal side, giving a gray‑brown or tan coloration. Nymphs move when the head is disturbed; they may crawl or shift position within seconds. When examined under a magnifying lens, you can see tiny legs and a head capsule, which are absent from flakes.
Scalp flakes are dead skin. They are irregularly shaped, ranging from fine powder to larger, crusty pieces. Their color varies from white to light gray, sometimes tinged with yellow. Flakes are not attached to hair shafts; they rest loosely on the scalp or fall onto clothing. They do not move, and they crumble when brushed. Under magnification, flakes show a layered, keratinized structure without discernible body parts.
Key distinguishing points:
- Attachment: Nymphs grip hair; flakes are unattached.
- Mobility: Nymphs react to disturbance; flakes remain static.
- Size and shape: Nymphs are uniform, elongated, 1–2 mm; flakes are irregular, variable.
- Color and texture: Nymphs have a consistent gray‑brown hue; flakes are white to pale gray and may appear powdery.
- Microscopic features: Nymphs display legs, head, and segmented body; flakes lack any anatomical structures.
When uncertainty persists, isolate a sample on a white background and observe with a handheld magnifier or microscope at 20–30× magnification. Live organisms will exhibit movement and anatomical detail, whereas flakes will appear as inert, layered debris. This systematic comparison eliminates ambiguity and guides appropriate treatment decisions.