We demystify some of the myths surrounding pediculosis.
10 MYTHS ABOUT LICE
According to scientists, lice are more resistant than before, and they endure temperatures of 50ºC to -30ºC. This disease does not distinguish sex or age and is highly epidemic at school age and in adolescence.
Pediculosis is a problem that affects 3 out of 10 school-age children and 27% of their parents.
Myth 1: they jump from head to head
Fact: Lice do not jump or fly. They just walk, and they do it with great speed. They can pass from one head to another very easily, through contact or some garment.
Myth 2: lice cause disease
Fact: Lice are not a disease, nor do they pose risks to public health. They cause an itch from a rash, but there are very few serious health risks.
Myth 3: Lice die when they leave the scalp
False! Lice can live up to 24 hours without contact with hair or scalp. So they can spread through cushions, pillows, armchairs, etc.
Myth 4: lice are caused by having dirty hair and long hair
False! Lice are not spread due to lack of hygiene. They like both dirty and clean hair. Getting head lice does not depend on the length of the hair or the frequency of brushing or washing. Although it is true that they nest more in girls because they tend to have more physical contact with each other.
Myth 5: Animals can infect us
False! Animal lice are not transmitted to people.
Myth 6: Lice are itchy because they bite the scalp
False! The reason for the itching caused by lice is not due to their bites, but to the saliva they inject to feed themselves.
Myth 7: All lice products eradicate the problem immediately
False! Certain products do not kill lice or nits. Indeed, the continuous use of anti-lice products has resulted in the louse generating defenses to protect itself and is resistant to many of them.
Myth 8: Eliminated once, eradicated forever
Fact: Nits hatch after 7-10 days. If the anti-lice treatment used does not kill the eggs, the chances of becoming infected again are very high.
Myth 9: Lice are quickly detected
False! It takes 4-6 weeks for the immune system to develop sensitivity to lice saliva. In that time, a female louse can lay 6 to 10 nits per day. Therefore, when we start with itching, many generations of lice will already be living on the head.
Myth 10: Nits also spread
False! Nits are not contagious. Just the lice.
You can have lice at any age, but school-age children are at higher risk of infection.
Has your child had lice?