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Dandruff Compared to Lice

Lice and dandruff may look similar in appearance and produce many of the same symptoms, but the two are in fact, very different. With just a little knowledge of both, you should be able to diagnose the condition simply by sight and careful examination.

  1. Dandruff

    • Dandruff is a skin condition located on the scalp. The result is nothing more than dead skin cells that have flaked off from the scalp. It can appear in both large and small flakes. The dead skin is usually a white or grayish color and can often be found on the clothes of the individual as well. Dandruff is also known for causing itching, which can lead to a red skin irritation.

    Head Lice

    • Head lice are tiny, brown, six-legged parasites that are about the size of a sesame seed. They tend to move around a lot so they are often easily spotted. Lice, which are passed on through human contact, feed on blood. The females lay small white, off-white or clear eggs, known as nits. The eggs are smaller than lice and oval shaped. Both lice and their eggs can be difficult to pick out of the hair and scalp.

    How to Tell the Difference

    • The effects of lice and dandruff (itchy scalp and the presence of small white "flakes") are both very similar. You can often tell the difference, however, by trying to extract the "flake" from the hair or scalp. A dandruff flake is easily removable. Lice, on the other hand, will cling to its surface, making its removal much more difficult. Additionally, lice are located on the scalp while dandruff can often be seen throughout the hair or even on the clothes, as well as the scalp.

    Treatment

    • Dandruff is often easier to treat than head lice. There are several remedies including using prescription shampoo, washing the scalp with vinegar, and utilizing herbal oils and gels. To treat lice, there are also prescription and over the counter shampoos, creams and lotions. You will also, however, need to wash in hot water certain items, such as sheets and pillow cases, that the lice may have come into contact with.

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