What is the difference between nits and dandruff




















Some autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can appear as dandruff, but require more specialized treatment. Your dermatologist will be able to help you determine the cause of your flakes, as well as the best way to treat them. Lice are parasitic insects with six legs and are usually tan, brown, or black. Their eggs look like teardrop-shaped eggs that are white or yellow in color.

They are found attached to the hair shaft close to the scalp. Dandruff looks like white or yellow flakes of dry skin. It is usually bigger than lice and their eggs, and may appear greasy. To check for lice and dandruff, start by parting the hair and examining the scalp.

When you have dandruff, your scalp will appear either very oily or very dry. The flakes will be coming from the scalp and are easily brushed away. Lice lay their eggs on the hair shaft about one-quarter inch from the scalp. The eggs are firmly secured to the hair and cannot be brushed away.

Adult lice live on the scalp and usually appear tan, brown, or black. Sometimes a magnifying glass is helpful for identifying adult lice on the scalp.

Dandruff and lice are both extremely small, and it can be tough to tell them apart. An adult louse is about the size of a sesame seed, and their eggs are even smaller. Dandruff flakes are bigger than lice and often appear and feel greasy. One of the best ways to distinguish between lice and dandruff is the location. Dandruff describes dry skin flaking off from the scalp.

The eggs of lice, on the other hand, adhere to the hair shaft itself. Using a magnifying glass, you may be able to see adult lice moving on the scalp.

This is challenging because they are usually only active in the dark. Another symptom to pay attention to is the itching. Lice bites cause intense itching, while dandruff itching feels more like uncomfortable dry skin. Dandruff will appear as white or yellow flakes of dry skin. Lice eggs, also known as nits, look like tiny yellow or white eggs in the shape of a teardrop.

Adult lice are darker in color and about the size of a sesame seed. While both conditions can make your skin crawl, they are usually effectively treated at home. Invest in a medicated shampoo, and talk with your healthcare provider before treating young children.

If at-home treatments have not been successful, call your healthcare provider. They will be able to diagnose your condition and recommend the safest and most effective treatment. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For best effect, use your dandruff shampoo every time you wash your hair.

Dandruff is a chronic condition which will come back if untreated. Head lice hatch every seven to ten days, with a total life cycle of about four weeks. Any treatment, therefore, needs to take this into account. Start with an over-the-counter head lice solution. While you do this, you should also invest in a metal or plastic lice comb.

These fine-tooth combs are designed to remove the eggs from the hair follicle. You should use your comb every day for about an hour, cleaning the comb of nits and lice on a disposable tissue or towel between strokes. Neither having lice or dandruff is dangerous. Constant scratching can injure the scalp, however, and may lead to a scalp infection.

Tags: camp lice checks. Home Service vs. How to tell the difference between lice and dandruff Location Lice lay eggs called nits. Nits stick to the hair while dandruff is flaky. If you scratch your hair, dandruff will come flying out while nits will stay in their place. Also, dandruff is visible on the scalp while nits are on the hair. Color Nits can vary in color from yellow to beige and even to dark brown.

A good way to confirm a nit is to pull it out of the hair and place against a white piece of paper. Feeling Dandruff and lice both cause intense itching. But there are still several differences.

Dandruff itches more when the scalp is dry. Some people find that their dandruff does not get better with an anti-dandruff shampoo. If symptoms do not improve, the flakes may be due to a yeast infection on the scalp, an autoimmune condition, eczema , or a severe case of dandruff.

A dermatologist can help someone identify the underlying cause, as well as any triggers. Some people may need prescription anti-dandruff shampoos.

Dandruff is common and difficult to prevent. Regularly washing the hair reduces dandruff in some people, but lack of hygiene does not cause dandruff. People with dandruff can try to identify triggers, such as cold or dry air. People with particularly dry scalps sometimes get relief from sleeping with a humidifier. To prevent lice, avoid close contact with people at high risk of lice, especially very young children.

Avoid sharing combs, brushes, pillows, and other items where lice may hide. Neither having lice or dandruff is dangerous. Constant scratching can injure the scalp, however, and may lead to a scalp infection. Both lice and dandruff usually respond well to store-bought treatments, and so a person can try an OTC remedy as their first response. If OTC treatments do not work, it is best to see a doctor or dermatologist for scalp itching or pain.

Dandruff causes flaky skin and itching on the scalp.



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