Telling the Difference Between Lice and Dandruff

Lice and dandruff look somewhat similar, but have key differences that can help set them apart. For one, dandruff is on the scalp itself and falls off easily, while nits (lice eggs) stick to strands of hair and are hard to remove. While both can be itchy, lice can cause severe itching.

Head lice, also known as pediculus humanus capitis, are parasitic insects that live and lay eggs on the scalp. They feed on human blood and can be passed from person to person.

Dandruff—also known as seborrheic dermatitis or, in babies, cradle cap— is a common, chronic skin condition that causes small pieces of dry skin to flake off of the scalp. It is not contagious.

Fortunately, both conditions can be treated safely and effectively at home. 

Signs and Symptoms of Lice vs. Dandruff

While both lice and dandruff can cause your scalp to itch, their symptoms are different. 

Lice

The classic symptom of lice is intense itching. The bites of an adult louse cause an allergic reaction, which leads to itching. You may even feel a crawling sensation. Young children may describe this sensation as tickling in their hair.

Little ones may also have trouble sleeping when they have lice since head lice are most active at night. The scalp may also appear red and bleed due to frequent scratching. 

Lice and dandruff can look the same at first glance, but they occur in different locations. Lice lay their eggs (called nits) on the hair shaft itself. Nits adhere to your hair and will not flake off like dandruff does. Nits are usually white or yellow and in the shape of a teardrop.

Adult lice are tan, brown, or black, and may be visible under a magnifying glass or with the naked eye. A fully grown louse is about the size of a sesame seed. They are usually found in the scalp and hair around the ears and neckline. 

Dandruff

Like lice, dandruff can be itchy, but it is usually not as intense as the itching caused by lice. The drier the scalp, the more dandruff will usually itch. When you have dandruff, your scalp generally feels either very oily or very dry. You may notice that symptoms worsen during the colder months due to the dry air. 

Dandruff affects the scalp and not the hair itself. Looking closely, you will see white or yellow flakes coming from the scalp; these flakes then fall off easily.

Seborrheic dermatitis can also affect other areas of the body, such as the ears, eyebrows, and around the nose, but is most commonly found on the scalp. While lice look black or brown, dandruff will appear white or yellow.

Causes

Lice are caused by an infestation of parasitic insects, while dandruff is caused by a yeast that grows on everyone’s skin called malassezia and inflammation.

Lice

Lice are highly contagious. If you come into close contact with someone with lice, such as from hugging, the lice can easily crawl from their head to yours. Lice cannot jump or fly. Sharing hats or hair brushes is another way to become infected with lice, but head-to-head contact is the most common. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States sees between 6 million and 12 million cases of head lice each year. Young children are most at risk because they frequently have hair-to-hair contact with others at daycare or school. 

Higher-risk occupations include teachers, daycare workers, and babysitters. 

Dandruff

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic condition that causes the skin cells on the scalp to shed too quickly, leading to dry, itchy flakes coming off in the hair and on clothing.

Treatment

Most cases of lice and dandruff can be successfully treated at home. 

Lice

Lice can usually be treated at home with an over-the-counter medicated shampoo according to the package directions. It is important to carefully comb the nits out of the hair as well. Nits are usually found within one-quarter inch of the scalp. Nits found further down the hair shaft are usually not viable and will not grow into lice. 

If you’re treating your child’s lice, call your pediatrician first to discuss the right amount of shampoo and how often to use it. This is often based on their age and weight. The shampoo will need to be used twice, about one week apart.

Some other important things to do include:

• Avoid using conditioner in the hair until it is completely free of lice and nits. Conditioner can act as a barrier that blocks the medicated shampoo from adhering to and treating the hair shaft. 
• Since lice need a human host to survive, wash any items that could transfer them to a new host. This includes clothing, bedding, stuffed animals, hats, and any other items that came in contact with the person’s head. The CDC recommends washing all items in hot water over 130 degrees F to kill both the lice and nits. Items should then be dried in the dryer at the hottest setting. Vacuum any areas where the person with lice laid down, such as carpets and furniture. Any items that cannot be washed or vacuumed should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks. 

If over-the-counter treatments have not been effective, see your healthcare provider. It’s possible that the lice are resistant to the over-the-counter treatment and you need a prescription medication. Your local health department may also be able to help. 

It is not always possible to prevent lice, but you can reduce your chances of getting them by taking precautions. Discourage your children from having hair-to-hair contact while playing with their friends and avoid sharing hair brushes or hats. 

Dandruff

If you don't wash your hair often, you may try to wash it more frequently, up to once a day.

Dandruff can also be treated at home with over-the-counter shampoo. Start by shampooing twice per week with an anti-dandruff shampoo. Keeping the dandruff shampoos in contact with your hair for five to 10 minutes is most effective.

Use caution with dandruff shampoos that contain tar because they can cause your scalp to become more sensitive to the sun. The tar can also discolor blonde or white hair after treatment. 

If using an anti-dandruff shampoo does not provide any relief, see your dermatologist. Sometimes dandruff is caused by a yeast infection that requires an antifungal to treat.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do lice look like vs. dandruff? 

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. 

How do you check for lice vs. dandruff?

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.

How big is dandruff vs. lice?

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. 

How do you know if it’s lice or dandruff?

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.

A Word From Verywell

If you’ve found yourself scratching your head lately, take a closer look. 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.