Dandruff

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Specializes in Family.

My child was recently sent home from camp with supposed head lice. One person at the camp and two others here at home have checked her and said that she doesn't have it. They found dandruff only. The nurse at the camp insists that 8yo's can't have dandruff. I know my child and her head, and she does have dandruff, but I want to know what the rest of y'all think. Thanks!

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My child was recently sent home from camp with supposed head lice. One person at the camp and two others here at home have checked her and said that she doesn't have it. They found dandruff only. The nurse at the camp insists that 8yo's can't have dandruff. I know my child and her head, and she does have dandruff, but I want to know what the rest of y'all think. Thanks!

I think 8 year olds can have dandruff or dry scalp. It could even be if her head got sun burned it could be peeling. I would say you know if it is head lice vs. dandruff because dandruff would brush off easily and the nits (eggs) from head lice would not. They stick to the hair and have to be picked or combed out. Also there would be bugs crawling in the hair.

YIKES! My head itches just thinking about this.

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Specializes in ER.

Yes, children can get dandruff...as early as infancy (cradle cap). It can be caused from a number of things, most commonly in young children eczema, but it can be something as easy as not washing the shampoo at all the way...The difference between dandruff and lice or nits is that the dandruff will brush or shake out of the head very easily...nits will not, harder to get out, hence the need for the fine tooth combing...There are many different websites with info about it and often the websites compare dandruff to lice. Dandruff is usually more prevelant in the puberty years but it can happen in 8 years olds...

http://parentcenter.babycenter.com/refcap/bigkid/ghealth/ghair/68239.html

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