How not to confuse dandruff with lice? - briefly
Examine the scalp: dandruff shows as loose, white flakes that brush off easily, whereas lice are live insects attached to hair shafts and may be seen moving or with attached oval eggs (nits). A fine‑tooth comb on wet hair will remove only flakes in the case of dandruff, but will reveal moving insects or nits if an infestation is present.
How not to confuse dandruff with lice? - in detail
Dandruff and head lice are distinct conditions that can appear similar at a glance, but careful observation reveals clear differences.
The scalp surface covered with white or gray flakes is a hallmark of dandruff. The flakes are dry, easily brushed away, and often accompanied by mild itching. They originate from the shedding of dead skin cells and are not attached to hair shafts.
Live insects indicate an infestation. Lice are small, grayish‑brown insects about the size of a sesame seed. Their presence is confirmed by the following signs:
- Small, moving specks that can be seen crawling on hair strands or the scalp.
- Nits (lice eggs) firmly attached to the base of hair shafts, appearing as tiny, oval, yellow‑white objects that do not detach when the hair is brushed.
- Intense itching that worsens after several days, caused by saliva injected during feeding.
Diagnostic steps:
- Examine a small section of hair under good lighting or a magnifying lens.
- Gently pull a strand away from the scalp; if live insects or nits remain attached, an infestation is present.
- Shake the hair over a dark surface; dandruff flakes will fall away, while lice will cling to the hair.
Treatment differs markedly. Dandruff responds to anti‑flaking shampoos containing zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Lice require topical pediculicides (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion) and mechanical removal of nits using a fine‑tooth comb.
Preventive measures:
- Maintain regular shampooing to control scalp oiliness.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as hats, combs, or pillows.
- Perform routine scalp checks, especially in children, to catch infestations early.
By observing the texture of flakes, checking for attached eggs, and noting the pattern of itching, one can reliably distinguish between the two conditions and apply the appropriate remedy.