Head Lice Myths
 Head lice are one of the
most commonly misunderstood topics today. There are several
myths about head lice, some of them may have a thread of
truth to them, but most are simply widespread
misunderstandings.
- Head lice can jump
from person to person: This is untrue; head lice cannot
jump or fly. They spread through direct contact, or
indirectly by means of personal items such as hat,
combs, brushes etc.
- It is absolutely
necessary to use a pesticide in my house to rid it of
head lice: Though you can choose to do this if you want,
it really is not necessary and not recommended. Head
lice can only live for about 2 to 3 days when they are
not on a human host. If there happens to be lice eggs on
carpet or furniture, when they hatch they will have to
feed within a short period of time or they will die.
Vacuum the carpet and furniture, and then concentrate on
bedding, clothes, combs, brushes and stuffed animals.
- You can treat a head
lice infestation with petroleum jelly: Though a
petroleum jelly may smother lice, it will not kill the
nits, or lice eggs. In addition, it is very hard to
remove it from the hair.
- It is necessary to
shave the hair when treating for head lice: It is true
that this will help to more easily treat for head lice,
but it can be a traumatic experience, especially for
children. Of course this is much more true for girls
than boys, but a boy may not like his head shaved
either. The better option is to treat the condition, and
carefully remove all the nits with a specially designed
nit removal comb.
- You can use gasoline
or kerosene to kill head lice: CAUTION: This is not only
an extremely ineffective means of trying to treat head
lice; it also does not work. You should never use
gasoline or kerosene on any part of the body as the
fumes are combustible and may cause injury or death.
Many children have been hurt or killed when parents try
to use this form of treatment.
- Lice can transmit
disease: Though head lice are an uncomfortable and
embarrassing condition, it has few risks. The danger is
in a rash or lacerations on the scalp due to scratching
that may become infected.
- Clean people do not
get head lice: This is completely untrue. Anyone can
catch head lice, no matter how clean they are. In fact,
head lice prefer a clean, healthy scalp, but it matters
little to these tiny insects whose head they infest.
To properly combat head
lice, you need to know the facts. Learn as much as you can
about head lice infestation and you will be better prepared
if one of your children comes home with these little pests.
If you're interested in
more articles about head lice, click here -
Articles.
Enjoy!
I wish you all the best on your
head lice adventure!
Best wishes,
Thomas T :)
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