- What it looks like:
- Flaky, white or yellow scales on the scalp that brush off easily.
- May look oily or crusty (in infants, this is “cradle cap”).
- Other signs:
- Mild redness
- No intense itching (unlike lice)
- ✅ What to do:
- Use dandruff shampoo (with zinc pyrithione or selenium sulfide).
- Gently massage baby oil on scalp, then comb flakes away (for cradle cap).
- No need to see a doctor unless it spreads to face/ears or becomes very inflamed.
🐜 3. Flea Eggs or Debris (If You Have Pets)
- What it looks like:
- Tiny white specks that fall off easily (unlike nits).
- May see actual fleas jumping or dark “flea dirt” (feces) that turns red when wet.
- Other signs:
- Pet is scratching excessively
- Bites on child’s ankles or legs
- ✅ What to do:
- Treat pets and home for fleas.
- Wash child’s hair with regular shampoo.
- See a doctor only if bites become infected or cause severe allergic reaction.
🌿 4. Hair Product Residue or Hard Water Buildup
- What it looks like:
- White flakes or crust that rinses out with clarifying shampoo.
- Often near hairline or where products are applied.
- Other signs:
- Hair feels stiff or dull
- No itching or redness
- ✅ What to do:
- Use a clarifying shampoo or apple cider vinegar rinse.
- No medical concern.
⚠️ When to Call the Doctor Right Away
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- Black or brown specks that move (could be mites or other parasites)
- Open sores, pus, or yellow crust (sign of impetigo or infection)
- Swollen lymph nodes on the neck
- Fever along with scalp irritation
- You’re unsure after checking—better safe than sorry!
🩺 What You Can Do Right Now:
- Take a clear photo in good lighting (close-up of the hair shaft).
- Try the “flick test”: Nits won’t slide off the hair; dandruff or residue will.
- Check other family members—lice spread quickly.
- Avoid sharing hats, brushes, or towels until you know what it is.
