Just discovered this in my son’s hair. What is it? Not sure if we should go to doc

 

. 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)

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

hat 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.
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Often near hairline or where products are applied.
Other signs:
Hair feels stiff or dull
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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