Dandruff VS. Head Lice; Common Confusions

If you’ve experienced head lice you know how much of a pain and a disruption in your life it is. Before you decide if it’s lice, it’s always a good idea to make sure it’s not one of the few other possibilities, such as dandruff. Dandruff is a common confusion of head lice or nits. Dandruff is the dead skin on your scalp that makes it dry, flaky, and itchy.

Lice also makes your scalp itchy, but much more so. It can become unbearable and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks or even sleep.

The Difference Between Lice and Dandruff

What is the difference between lice and dandruff? Lice is the actual insect that’s on your head making it itch. While lice are very small, dark colored, and look like a tiny insect, lice nits are the eggs the lice are producing that look very similar to dandruff. A good way to tell if you have lice is if you spot these nits. The lice nits look small, oval shaped, white or yellowish in color, and are hard. Dandruff is white, thin, comes out of your hair easily, and is flaky.

Is It Dandruff or Nits on The Comb?

You comb your hair, and you see something on your comb, but you’re not sure if it’s nits or dandruff. A good first rule is that if it was able to come off your hair/scalp and onto your comb, there’s a good chance it isn’t lice nits. Nits are very difficult to take out of your hair with your hands or a comb. Another good way to tell the difference is if the speck on your comb is hard or flaky. If it’s hard and oval shaped, it’s a nit, or if it’s thinner and flaky it’s dandruff.

What Causes Dandruff and Lice?

Lice can only be caused by direct head-to-head contact from someone else who currently has lice. Dandruff can be caused by irritated skin, oily skin, skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, hair care products, or malassezia. Malassezia is a yeast-like fungus that lives on the scalp and most people have. This fungus feeds on the oils in the hair follicles and causes the scalp to produce extra skin cells. Dandruff can be treated by using specialized or medicated shampoos, while lice is best treated by going to a lice clinic, such as with us in Greenville at Lice Clinics of America.

Greenville Lice Treatment

Lice Clinics of America is ready to help you relieve this burden. With our special AirAlle treatment, you’ll be lice free just after one treatment. Our AirAlle device uses warm air to kill the lice and nits without having to use any harsh chemicals. Call us today to book an appointment at one of our locations in Greenville, SC or in Anderson, SC.