Watch out, head lice!

But what we probably do not know for sure is really what happens with them. There are lots of false myths that lead to mistakes and that confuse matters rather than solve them. And we must be careful because when we are dealing with children it is very important to speak thoughtfully and know what we are talking about.

Shall we sort out the ideas? Let’s start by dismantling myths:

• Myth 1. They jump from head to head. Head lice do not jump (nor fly). In contrast, they can easily go from one head to another if there is direct contact or by means of clothing.

• Myth 2. Head lice die when they leave the scalp. Lice can survive up to 24 hours without contact with hair or scalp. They can propagate through cushions, pillows, chairs, clothing, such as caps, etc. So we must not be complacent until a certain time has elapsed. Be watchful!

• Myth 3. Head lice always go to dirty or long hair. Nothing could be further than the truth. Neither dirty nor long. Those factors do not affect lice nesting on one head or another.

• Myth 4. Once eliminated, eradicated for ever. Nits hatch after 7 to 10 days. If the anti-head lice treatment used does not eliminate the eggs, the possibilities of becoming infected become very high again.

• Myth 5. Nits are also contagious. Nits are not contagious, only the head lice.

• Myth 6. Head lice produce itching because they bite the scalp. Do you know what that awful itching is really due to? To the saliva that they inject to feed from.

Now you know more about the topic…. Which of these myths have you believed for years, and have surprised you because their reality is totally different?