Top Lice Myths You Should Stop Believing

Imagine this: you’re sitting with your friend on the couch in their home, playing video games. You turn to your friend to speak, only to be greeted by the ugly sight of a creepy crawly dangling from the strand of their hair.

Here’s how it could go:

1. You inform them—causally—and continue playing
2. You freak out and say nothing.
3. You freak out, point it out, and make a dash for home

Unfortunately, most of us would choose the third option. It’s not because the sight of creepy crawlies is something new, it’s just the idea of someone being infested with lice that makes us cringe.

But most of us jump into the bandwagon of bullying when we find out our peers have lice. And along with playground bullying, there comes a few rumors as well. Here’s a few of them:

Lice Love Dirty Hair

There seems to be a perception that lice love dirty, greasy hair. While there’s no source for where this myth comes from, one thing is certain: it’s wrong.

Most people believe lice infest individuals who lack personal hygiene. Not only is this not true, if lice had their way, they would take over the hair of every individual on the planet. Since bugs are seen as ‘dirty’ and insects mainly roam polluted areas, there’s a firm belief that lice are similar.

Lice only prefer human blood. For them, it does not matter whether hair is clean or not, they have an obsession with human blood and scalp.

Lice Can Fly From Hair to Hair 

It’s true that lice are contagious (that’s how you contract them so easily).

But here’s an odd fact: they do not fly. They are wingless critters with six legs (ugh!). While they don’t have the ability to fly, their legs help them jump almost as high as fleas (that’s how you contract them).

If you sit really close to a victim, your chances of contracting lice are high. Very, very high.

Lice are Dangerous and Carry Diseases

There has been no research backing the statement that these parasites are dangerous, or carry diseases. They do, however, create a burning/itchy sensation.

It’s a cause for concern if the victim scratches too much and hurts their scalp in the process.

Lice Can Live in Pillowcases for Weeks

The former is true; the latter (italicized) part, not so much.

Lice cannot live in pillowcases or mattresses because they cannot survive without human blood for more than 1 or 2 days. They’re unable to survive without consuming blood and therefore would die quickly.

OTC products are the Only Treatment for Lice

This is simply not true. OTC products are, in fact, dangerous. Period. Most lice shampoos and products contain a chemical called ‘lindane’ that is used as a pesticide.

This chemical is carcinogenic and has resulted in the deaths of many, and is known to cause seizures, according to the FDA.  Home treatments are also ineffective because they require the use of kitchen products. These products also contain harmful chemicals that can damage hair.

Lice removal clinics have been gaining popularity for offering natural treatments. They use special combs to remove lice and nits from each strand of hair.

We’re a lice removal service based in Kendall and offer reliable and natural solutions for removing head lice. In addition, we also offer in-home treatment services to busy individuals. Visit our Kendall treatment center or call (800) 405-8201 to book an appointment.