How can you differentiate lice nits from dandruff? - briefly
Lice eggs are firmly attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp, appearing as oval, tan‑brown, immobile specks that require a comb pull to dislodge; dandruff flakes are loose, white or gray particles that easily brush off and are not anchored to individual hairs. A careful examination with a fine‑tooth comb and gentle tugging will expose the glued nits, while a simple shake or brush removes dandruff.
How can you differentiate lice nits from dandruff? - in detail
Head‑lice eggs (nits) and scalp flakes differ in attachment, appearance, and behavior. Nits are firmly glued to each hair shaft, typically within a half‑inch of the scalp where the temperature supports incubation. Flakes lie loosely on the hair and scalp surface and can be brushed away easily.
Key visual distinctions:
- Attachment: Nits are immobile, cemented at an angle of 30‑45° to the hair. Dandruff particles are not attached and fall off with gentle shaking or brushing.
- Color: Live nits appear tan, brown, or grayish, often translucent. Empty shells become white or translucent after hatching. Dandruff ranges from white to yellowish, usually uniform in color.
- Size and shape: Nits measure 0.8 mm in length, oval with a slightly pointed end. Dandruff flakes are irregular, often larger, and have ragged edges.
- Texture: Nits feel hard and smooth when examined under a magnifier. Dandruff feels dry, powdery, and may crumble.
- Location: Nits concentrate near the scalp, especially behind ears and at the nape. Dandruff distributes across the entire scalp and may appear on shoulders.
Practical identification steps:
- Wet the hair: Moisture reduces static and makes nits more visible; dandruff becomes clumped.
- Use a fine‑tooth lice comb: Drag the comb from the scalp outward. Nits remain attached to the comb teeth; dandruff slides off.
- Inspect with magnification: A handheld magnifier (10‑20×) reveals the oval shape and cemented base of nits.
- Perform the “pinch test”: Gently pinch a suspected nit between two fingers. A cemented egg resists removal; a flake crumbles.
- Check for movement: Live lice will move when disturbed; nits do not.
If nits are confirmed, treatment includes:
- Applying a pediculicide lotion or shampoo according to label instructions.
- Re‑combining hair with a nit‑comb every 2‑3 days for two weeks to remove any newly hatched nymphs.
- Washing bedding, clothing, and personal items in hot water (≥130 °F) or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks.
Prevention measures:
- Avoid sharing hats, brushes, or hair accessories.
- Keep hair tied back for children in close‑contact settings.
- Conduct regular scalp inspections, especially after school or camp activities.
By focusing on attachment, coloration, size, texture, and location, one can reliably separate lice eggs from ordinary scalp debris.