How does dandruff differ from lice? - briefly
Dandruff is the shedding of dead scalp skin, while lice are live parasites that attach to hair and consume blood. Treatment for flakes involves anti‑flaking shampoos, whereas lice require insecticidal products and thorough removal of nits.
How does dandruff differ from lice? - in detail
Dandruff is a scalp condition caused by rapid turnover of skin cells, often linked to the yeast Malassezia or dry skin. It appears as white or gray flakes that detach easily and fall onto clothing. The flakes are not attached to a living organism and cause no itching beyond the irritation from dryness or inflammation.
Head lice are parasitic insects (Pediculus humanus capitis) that live on the scalp, feeding on blood. Their presence is marked by live insects, nits (eggs) glued to hair shafts, and intense itching due to allergic reactions to bites. Lice cannot be removed by washing alone; they require mechanical removal or insecticidal treatment.
Key distinctions:
- Origin: Dandruff results from fungal overgrowth or skin dryness; lice are external arthropods.
- Physical signs: Dandruff produces loose, non‑adhering flakes; lice produce live bugs, egg shells, and crusted nits firmly attached to hair.
- Transmission: Dandruff is non‑contagious; lice spread through head‑to‑head contact or shared items such as hats and combs.
- Symptoms: Dandruff causes mild scalp flaking and occasional itching; lice cause persistent, severe itching, redness, and sometimes secondary bacterial infection.
- Diagnosis: Dandruff is identified by visual inspection of flakes; lice are confirmed by locating live insects or nits close to the scalp.
- Treatment: Dandruff responds to antifungal shampoos (e.g., ketoconazole, selenium sulfide) and moisturizers. Lice require pediculicides (e.g., permethrin) or manual removal with fine‑tooth combs, followed by cleaning of personal items.
- Health risk: Dandruff poses no systemic health threat; lice can lead to skin infection, sleep disturbance, and social stigma.
Understanding these differences enables appropriate management and prevents misapplication of treatments.