How can you differentiate dandruff from lice eggs on a person? - briefly
Dandruff consists of loose, powdery flakes that detach with a gentle brush, while lice eggs (nits) are oval, creamy‑white or yellowish capsules firmly glued to each hair shaft near the scalp. Nits stay attached when the hair is combed and can be seen as immobile, stalk‑less specks, whereas dandruff flakes fall away easily.
How can you differentiate dandruff from lice eggs on a person? - in detail
Scalp flakes and lice ova have distinct visual and tactile characteristics.
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Size and shape: Flakes are irregular, thin, and range from 0.5 mm to 2 mm in diameter. Lice eggs are oval, about 0.8 mm long, with a smooth, glossy surface.
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Attachment: Dandruff falls freely and can be brushed away easily. Nits are firmly glued to each hair shaft, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp, and resist removal with a comb.
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Color: Flakes appear white or yellowish, often translucent. Eggs display a pale amber or tan hue; after hatching, the empty shells (nits) become translucent and may appear lighter.
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Location: Dandruff distributes across the entire scalp and can be seen on shoulders. Lice eggs concentrate near the hairline, behind ears, and at the nape, where warmth promotes development.
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Feel: When running fingers through hair, flakes feel dry and powdery. Nits feel slightly gritty and may cause a subtle tug when the hair is pulled.
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Microscopic examination: Under magnification, flakes lack a defined operculum (the cap that opens for hatching). Eggs show a clear operculum at one end and a distinct attachment point.
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Response to treatment: Anti‑dandruff shampoos reduce flake quantity but do not affect eggs. Pediculicide lotions detach nits from hair shafts; the presence of remaining nits after treatment confirms the initial identification.
By assessing size, attachment, color, distribution, tactile feedback, and microscopic features, one can reliably separate scalp debris from lice ova.