Difference between lice and dandruff
An itchy head can be one of the most uncomfortable sensations. Like with skin rashes, constantly scratching seems only to make things worse. If you’ve got an itchy head, you need to identify the problem quickly so you can find the proper treatment.
The usual culprit for your condition is either head lice or dandruff. Dandruff is extremely common and is a relatively benign condition affecting the scalp. Lice, on the other hand, are highly contagious parasitic insects that live on the scalp.
Dandruff is fairly easy to treat and isn’t contagious, unlike head lice which can be trickier to eliminate. However, there are options out there for you to get rid of both.
Head lice treatments
Head lice, or Pediculus humanus capitis, are minuscule insects that consume human blood for survival. They’re commonly found living in hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.
Although head lice cannot fly and move only by crawling, the condition is highly contagious, especially among young children. It’s estimated that there are roughly 6-12 million infestations in the U.S. among children each year.
Head lice are tiny and can be found in one of the following three forms:
Nit: Nits are lice eggs that are laid right on the scalp. They’re yellowish and usually take 8-9 days to hatch.
Nymph: Nymphs are lice that are freshly hatched from nits, so they’re smaller than adult head lice.
Adult: Fully grown head lice are about the size of a sesame seed and can live up to 30 days on a person’s scalp.
Contagious
Since head lice cannot fly, the most common way for infection is through direct head-to-head contact. They’re also transmissible by sharing clothing, especially hats, scarves, coats and even headphones and headgear.
It’s worth noting that although head lice are highly contagious, they’re not known to spread disease.
Diagnosis
The best way to determine if an itchy head is caused by head lice is by examining the scalp with a magnifying glass and a fine-tooth comb. If you find nits or live insects, then it’s most definitely a case of head lice. It’s also wise to inspect the scalp of anyone who has come in contact with someone who has an active infestation.
Treatment
Severe infestations should be treated using an over-the-counter treatment or prescription medication, but there are head lice kits and products available that can work for milder cases. All members of the same household with active infestations should be treated simultaneously.
Best head lice treatments
Lice Treatment Kit by Lice Clinics: available at Amazon
Lice Clinics guarantees the effectiveness of their lice-killing liquid gel, which is non-toxic and has a pleasant pear blossom scent. The kit also includes an easy-to-use applicator and a premium metal-head lice comb.
Nix Ultra 2-in-1 Super Lice Elimination System: available at Bed Bath & Beyond
This product is designed to take care of lice that aren’t killed easily by other solutions. It’s pesticide-free and easy on the skin.
Fairy Tales Lice Goodbye Survival Kit: available at Ulta Beauty
This is a chemical-free, clinically proven natural treatment kit that’s effective at removing even the most stubborn head lice and nits.
Dandruff treatments
Dandruff, medically known as Seborrheic dermatitis, is a less severe problem than head lice but can be equally irritating. It’s typically seen on scalps with excess oil production and presents itself as skin flaking. The condition usually begins after puberty and is much more common in men than women.
Dandruff can have several root causes including dry skin, an oily scalp, not washing the hair often or a fungus known as Malassezia, which feasts on oil.
Diagnosis
You can self-diagnose a case of dandruff simply by rubbing your hair. If you notice flakes falling, then it’s likely dandruff.
Contagious
Dandruff is not contagious and does not lead to head lice. The two are entirely unrelated.
Treatment
Dandruff is a chronic condition that can be difficult to eradicate from the scalp. There are treatment products like antifungal shampoos that can suppress dandruff for extended periods, but more severe cases may require over-the-counter treatment or prescription medication.
Apart from topical treatment products, lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, stress management and getting more sunlight have proven to yield positive results.
Best dandruff treatments
Head and Shoulders Dry Scalp Care with Almond Oil 2-in-1 Shampoo: available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Head and Shoulders is a leading brand with a proven formula for treating dandruff. This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner has an almond-oil fragrance and cleanses and hydrates hair, leaving it smelling fresh and clean.
Selsun Blue Medicated Dandruff Shampoo: available at Amazon
This product effectively tackles the source of dandruff. It has a soft, cooling effect and is ideal for oily scalps.
Nioxin Scalp Recovery Kit: available at Amazon and Ulta Beauty
It’s a little more expensive than other products, but this Nioxin kit works fast using ZPT-NIODerma Technology to combat dandruff. It’s a three-part regimen featuring a medicating cleanser, moisturizing conditioner and soothing serum to leave hair clean, hydrated and dandruff-free.
Bellisso Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Conditioner ?Set: available at Amazon
Tea tree oil is known as a powerful antibacterial substance, particularly when it comes to combating fungi. Bellisso’s shampoo and conditioner dandruff treatment are deep-cleaning and incorporate several nourishing ingredients such as vitamin B5, silk protein, Japanese camellia and collagen extract.
Bottom line
Although they have some symptoms in common, such as itching and white flakes on the scalp, lice and dandruff are different and neither leads to the other. Therefore, each condition requires a unique course of treatment.
Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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