Dandruff vs. Lice Eggs

Head lice eggs and dandruff are both indicated by tiny white particles in the hair and scalp and can be mistaken for one another at quick glance. In addition to dandruff, we also see heads of people that think they have lice but it is sand or flaky product leftover from hair product .Upon closer inspection, the differences in these products are easier to see. Dandruff can appear dry or oily, white or yellow-ish in color.Lice eggs (called nits) are oval in shape. They may appear to be the color of their host’s hair, ranging from white to yellow to brow, Dandruff is easy to comb-out and falls out while lice eggs or nits attach themselves firmly to the hair shaft and are more difficult to remove when you try to shake them of the hair. Prior to coming to our clinic, a high percentage of families have tried over-the-counter shampoos that did not work. So it is very common for us to see a high level of dandruff in people that we treat. The primary cause is excessive/multiple applications of chemical heavy over-the-counter shampoos. You can manage dandruff with special shampoos designed to slow the skin-shedding process that might lead to skin flaking. Look for shampoos with tar, salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide. Use dandruff shampoos every day to control severe flaking or weekly to manage minor symptoms.