Myths

Myth: Only dirty people get head lice.

Fact:

Actually, head lice prefer clean scalps - it makes it easier for them to move through the hair without the natural dirt and oils of unwashed hair. Do not change your normal hygiene practices for fear of catching head lice. There is no known way to prevent getting head lice. But, common sense precautions can help you avoid them (not sharing brushes, hats, etc). If you get close enough to someone with head lice, your chances of getting them increase.

Myth: Head lice can live all kinds of places, not just on the head.

Fact:

There are 3 species of lice than can live on humans: head lice, body lice and pubic lice. They are all different species and are different in both their structure and habit. Head lice can only survive for 1-2 days off the scalp without a source of food (blood). So, any head lice that aren’t living on a scalp need to find one fast. But beware! A louse doesn’t have to travel for long when making its way to a person’s head after hitching a ride on a friend’s comb or hat.

Myth: Head lice soread by jumping and flying from one person to another.

Fact:

Head lice do not have wings. Tthey are unable to jump. So, you don’t have to worry about head lice flying or jumping onto your head. Head lice are typically transmitted by head-to-head contact, but can also be spread through shared clothing, brushes, hats or other belongings commonly exposed to the head.

Myth: Head lice can spread diseases.

Fact:

There is ongoing debate about whether or not head lice can spread disease. While there is active research on this topic, head lice are NOT currently known to transmit disease.

Myth: A head lice infestation causes itching.

Fact:

Itching is the most common symptom of a head lice infestation, but the head lice, themselves, do nto cause the itching. Itching is the result of an allergic reaction that occurs after a louse bites the scalp. And this itching may not become apparent until 4-6 weeks after the bite has occurred. Allergic reactions can vary depending on the person and the severity of the infestation.

Myth: If someone in the family contracts head lice, the entire family should be treated.

Fact:

If a family member contracts head lice, the rest of the family should definitely be checked, but only treated if head lice are discovered. Only a person who is knowingly infested with head lice should be treated.

Myth: If one family member has head lice, the entire house must be cleaned.

Fact:

Though general housecleaning is recommended when a head lice diagnosis is made, it is not essential to go to extreme housecleaning measures. In fact, the recommendation from experts (American Academy of Pediatrics and Dr. Richard Pollack of Harvard) is to wash clothing, bedding, brushes, combs, but focus the majority of your energy on treating the affected family member. Head lice can only survive off the human head for ~1-2 days at room temperature. Some people recommend putting toys and other items that cannot be washed in plastic bags for 2-3 weeks. Because head lice are unable to survive without a food source, this is excessive.

Myth: Gasoline is an effective head lice treatment.

Fact:

Unfortunately, this mythical head lice treatment has been passed along throughout history. Not only is this kind of “treatment” ineffective, it is VERY dangerous. Gasoline/kerosene causes irritation to the scalp, and are FLAMMABLE! The fumes emitted from gasoline-soaked hair can be ignited by a flame or spark anywhere nearby. Many people have been severely burned after trying to use gasoline as a head lice treatment. NEVER use gasoline as a head lice treatment.

Myth: Mayonnaise is an effective head lice treatment.

Fact:

Despite being a common home remedy suggestion, there is currently no scientific evidence that proves mayonnaise is an effective head lice treatment. Head lice have adapted the ability to hold their breath for extended periods of time (up to 8 hours). For mayonnaise to be effective at suffocating head lice, it must remain on the head for an extensive period of time. Because mayonnaise cannot kill nits (eggs), this treatment must be reapplied in ~7-10 days to suffocate newly hatched head lice. Combing may also be required to remove nits and dead head lice after treatment.

Myth: People of African descent cannot get head lice.

Fact:

Head lice have been found on people throughout the world. Though it is uncommon for people of African descent to contract head lice in North America, it can happen, though it is less common. North American strains of head lice prefer round hair shafts that are more common to people of caucasian descent. Usually, the hair on people of African descent are more oval in shape and are hard for North American head lice to grasp. There are African strains of head lice that have adapted to the different hair shapes and textures.