Head Lice Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

What spreads faster than a head lice infestation? Misinformation about lice. Misconceptions about these frustrating and itchy parasites are everywhere. This blog will demystify some common misconceptions, and what you should really be concerned with when dealing with head lice. 

Lice are extremely small, but in numbers, they can present some big issues. There are several common misconceptions about head lice that can sometimes lead to ineffective treatment and worsen the patient’s state. For expert lice treatment in Green Bay and lice removal services, contact Lice Clinics of America Green Bay. 

Head lice spread by flying and jumping! 

Head lice are extremely small; only about the size of a sesame seed. Lice have small legs and contrary to popular myths, they don’t have wings. Therefore, crawling is their only method of moving. This explains why the most common method of transmission of lice is through direct head-to-head contact. 

If your scalp is itchy, you have Lice! 

Dandruff or dry skin are another fairly common reason why people might have an itchy scalp. While having an itchy scalp is unpleasant, it does not automatically mean that you have head lice. 

Lice like dirty or long hair!

Surprisingly, head lice actually have a preference for clean hair and they have no preference for long or short hair. Head lice use our hair as a means to crawl to the scalp and drink blood which is why clean hair is preferred. 

Your pets can transmit head lice!

Lice are species-specific which means that even if your pet has lice, it is a species that cannot survive on human hosts. Human head lice require human blood to live and dog lice need dog blood to survive.

Lice can carry and transmit disease!

You will be relieved to hear that head lice do not carry disease. Larger lice, a cousin to head lice, have been known to spread diseases like typhus, but the only medical danger head lice pose is due to secondary infection from scratches to the scalp.

Kids get head lice at school!

Lice are spread by direct head-to-head contact with other people or sometimes in very rare cases through the sharing of personal items. This can happen at school and often does which is why it is such a prevalent myth but it can also occur anywhere  there are people sharing close spaces.

You have to use pesticides to kill head lice!

While there are pesticide-based treatments available either over the counter or by prescription these are never the best choice. The safer method of head lice removal uses a combination of heated air and combs to kill and remove head lice.

Head Lice Treatment in Green Bay, WI

After reading this article you should feel assured about these common misconceptions and these pesky head lice. If you or a loved one is concerned about head lice and seeks treatment and removal, be sure to visit us at Lice Clinics of America – Green Bay. Our professional team will make sure you are lice-free and back to your normal routine in just one visit!