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  • 馃攳 1. Lice or Nits (Most Common)

    • What it looks like:
      • Nits: Tiny white, yellow, or brown specks glued firmly to the hair shaft, usually within ¼ inch of the scalp. They don’t brush off easily (unlike dandruff).
      • Live lice: Small, tan or grayish bugs (about the size of a sesame seed) that move quickly and avoid light.
    • Other signs:
      • Itchy scalp (especially behind ears and neck)
      • Red bumps or sores from scratching
      • Your child complains of “something crawling”
    • ✅ What to do:
      • Use a fine-tooth lice comb on wet, conditioned hair.
      • Over-the-counter lice treatments (like permethrin or dimethicone) are effective.
      • Call the doctor if: Sores are infected (oozing, crusted), or OTC treatment fails after 2 applications.

    馃Ъ 2. Dandruff or Cradle Cap (Seborrheic Dermatitis)

    • 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.

    馃悳 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.

    馃尶 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!

    馃┖ What You Can Do Right Now:

    1. Take a clear photo in good lighting (close-up of the hair shaft).
    2. Try the “flick test”: Nits won’t slide off the hair; dandruff or residue will.
    3. Check other family members—lice spread quickly.
    4. Avoid sharing hats, brushes, or towels until you know what it is.