Head Lice Myths

Head lice are certainly one of the most frequently misunderstood topics today. You will find a number of myths with regards to head lice, a few of them may have a thread of truth to them, but most are simply common misunderstandings.

- Head lice can jump from one individual to another: This is untrue; head lice can’t jump or fly. They spread via 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 clear it of head lice: Although you can select to do this if you want, it really is not needed and not recommended. Head lice can just live for around two to three 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 need to feed within a short time period or they will die. Vacuum the carpet and furniture, and then concentrate on bedding, clothes, combs, brushes and stuffed toys.

- You can deal with a head lice infestation with petroleum jelly: Though a petroleum jelly may smother lice, it’ll not kill the nits, or lice eggs. Additionally, it is very hard to remove it from the hair.

- It’s needed to shave the hair when treating for head lice: It’s true that this will help to more easily treat for head lice, however it can be a traumatic experience, especially for kids. Of course this is a lot 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 get rid of all the nits with a specially designed nit removal comb.

- You can make use of gasoline or kerosene to kill head lice: CAUTION: This is not only an extremely ineffective means of trying to handle head lice; it also doesn’t work. You need to 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: Although head lice are an uncomfortable and awkward condition, it has few risks. The danger is in a rash or lacerations on the scalp because of scratching which may become infected.

- Clean people don’t get head lice: This is totally untrue. Anybody can catch head lice, regardless of how clean they are. Actually, head lice prefer a clean, healthy scalp, but it matters little to these tiny insects whose head they infest.

To properly eliminate head lice, you should know the facts. Learn as much as you could with regards to head lice infestation and you will be better prepared if certainly one of your kids comes home with these little pests.

If you want more information on Head Lice Home Remedies, don’t read just rehashed articles online to avoid getting ripped off. Go here: Head lice

Head Lice Topics

Tags: head lice, head lice comb, head lice nits, lice remedies