What else can be found in the head besides lice? - briefly
Other scalp conditions include dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections such as tinea capitis, and infestations like scabies or demodex mites.
What else can be found in the head besides lice? - in detail
Beyond the common scalp parasite, a variety of organisms and conditions may be encountered on the head.
Ectoparasites other than lice include:
- Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis mites, residing in hair follicles and sebaceous glands;
- Flea nits, often mistaken for lice eggs;
- Bed‑bug bites, presenting as clustered erythematous papules;
- Scabies mites, which can infest the scalp in infants and immunocompromised individuals.
Fungal agents frequently affect hair and scalp skin:
- Trichophyton species cause tinea capitis, producing patchy alopecia, scaling, and sometimes kerion formation;
- Malassezia spp. contribute to seborrheic dermatitis with greasy, yellowish flakes.
Bacterial processes manifest as:
- Impetigo, with honey‑colored crusts on the scalp;
- Folliculitis, characterized by pustules around hair shafts;
- Cellulitis, presenting as diffuse erythema, warmth, and edema.
Dermatologic disorders observable on the head include:
- Seborrheic dermatitis, marked by erythema and flaking;
- Psoriasis, producing silvery plaques with well‑defined borders;
- Atopic or contact eczema, yielding itchy, inflamed patches;
- Lichen planopilaris, leading to scarring alopecia.
Physical and neoplastic findings may appear as:
- Epidermoid or sebaceous cysts, palpable subcutaneous nodules;
- Lipomas, soft, mobile masses under the skin;
- Basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, presenting as ulcerated or nodular lesions;
- Foreign bodies such as hair splinters, glue, or synthetic fibers.
Non‑pathological elements commonly noted are:
- Dandruff, consisting of detached keratin scales;
- Sebum accumulation, producing oily sheen;
- Hair casts, tubular sleeves that slide along the shaft.
Accurate identification relies on:
- Direct visual inspection with magnification;
- Microscopic examination of collected material;
- Culture or PCR for fungal and bacterial agents;
- Dermoscopic evaluation for vascular patterns and pigment structures.