Is it Lice or Dandruff?

For the untrained eye it can be quite tricky to determine if you or your child is suffering from a head lice infestation or a common case of dandruff. The truth is, there is a myriad of things that can cause a scalp to have itchiness, redness, swollen bumps or bleeding. Let’s take a look at the signs of lice and dandruff and how they differ.

 

Flakes vs. Nits

Lice will lay nits, or eggs along the base of the scalp. Nits are very small in size and produce a sticky like substance that essentially glues them onto the hair strand. For this reason, they are quite difficult to remove. They do not easily flake off or fall off when the head is shaken. It is also important to understand that hatched eggs may appear further up the scalp. Once they hatch they become more white in color and peel off much more easily. Hatched nits will be about ¼ of an inch from the actual skin.  

 

Dandruff, on the other hand, is the very definition of a flake of skin. Dandruff is caused by a few different scenarios. Most commonly people will use too much hair product, not enough conditioner to moisturize the scalp, or shampoo too often drying out the skin. This causes the dry, flakes of skin to fall off and leave large white flakes on the shoulders, back or hair strands of the person who has it. Another reason for dandruff is a genetic condition that causes skin cells to grow and replace much more quickly than normal. An average person’s skin cells will regenerate every month. Overactive skin cells can reform every few days, creating many flakes of skin that fall much more often.  If you shake the hair or scratch the head and flakes easily plummet off the scalp chances are you have a dandruff problem.

 

Soreness and Bleeding

Lice live on the scalp. They burrow into the skin to hide and lay their eggs. They feed off of the scalp and need the moisture and heat that the human head provides to survive. Mild cases of headlice could show no signs of soreness or bleeding if only a few adult lice are actually on the head. As the problem worsens, more and more lice will be looking for a snack. Red, inflamed bumps can be found on the scalp indicating bite marks. Saliva and fecal matter from lice also can leave the skin irritated and tender.

 

Dandruff is a skin condition that does not generally result in open sores or bleeding. Flaking and itching from the overly dry skin is the most common side effect of dandruff. Sometimes redness and irritation can occur due to excessive scratching. These scratches can lead to scabbing. If the overly irritated skin is reopened by scratching the head they can develop infections or become bleeding sores. However, this is not the common scenario for a normal case of dandruff.

 

Treatments

Lice will need to be killed completely before you can get a handle on the problem. Eggs must be removed as well to prevent further hatching and a whole new generation of lice to start the process over. Lice Clinics of America Lexington offers the most up to date technology using the innovative Airelle system to dehydrate lice and kill eggs in one treatment. Over the counter products are also an option, depending on your budget and time frame. Our expert, trained staff member can help you decide which approach will help you get over the problem the best way for your family.

 

Dandruff is easily treated with over the counter medicated shampoos. A few weeks of use will generally help the problem enough to see physical results. Try to ensure that you are washing and rinsing shampoo and beauty products thoroughly from hair to prevent flaking from excessive product as well. Moisturizing the scalp with hair conditioners and preventing further dryness by wearing weather appropriate headgear is also a suggested approach to ending the problem.