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Other Conditions With Symptoms Similar to Lice

Other types of skin problems may at first resemble lice infestation. These skin conditions may include:

  • Hair (pilar) casts or dandruff. Small bits of dead skin may be present on hair shafts. Unlike lice eggs (nits), they can be moved up and down on the hair shaft.
  • Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection.
  • Scabies, another type of mite that infests the skin. Scabies often cause itching and other symptoms that can be mistaken for those of body lice.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes reddish yellow scaly patches.
  • Ringworm, a fungal infection of the scalp and body.
  • Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that causes raised red patches topped with scaly skin.
  • Eczema, a chronic skin condition that causes an itchy, red rash.
  • Contact dermatitis, rash due to skin exposure to an irritating substance.
  • Bites from other types of insects.

Lice infestations are usually easily diagnosed by examining the eggs (nits). Hair lice and pubic lice nits are found on the shafts of hair. Body lice nits are usually found in the seams of clothing.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised November 23, 2010

Last Revised: November 23, 2010

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics

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