We are known as the head lice experts. It’s the season when kids are bringing notes home from school warning of head lice outbreaks, and many parents want to know what head lice products work.
Kare 11 reached out to Ladibugs, Inc. for us to give advice on what works and what doesn’t.
It is very important to know some myths about head lice:
Myth:
Lice is the result of poor hygiene.
Reality: One of the oldest beliefs is that head lice prefer “dirty kids.” It’s simply not true. Head lice actually prefer clean hair to dirty hair. What they are attracted to is blood.
Myth:
Lice are hard to get.
Reality: Head lice do not jump, fly or swim. They are good crawlers however, and easily move from person to person in as little as 30 seconds. This makes young kids particularly susceptible because they are in close contact in schools.
Myth:
Lice-infested items must be washed in hot water.
Reality: It is not necessary to wash everything that comes in contact with the lice. 30 minutes in the dryer will dehydrate and kill lice. Vacuuming floors and furniture should do the trick, too — no need to disinfect the whole house.
Myth:
No itch means no lice.
Reality: While the most common symptom is itching of the head and neck, the only sure fire way to diagnose head lice is through thorough head checks. If you know of an outbreak in your child’s school or camp, check your child daily and use preventive products.
Myth:
There’s a lice epidemic.
Reality: Though there is no evidence of a current head lice epidemic, the bugs have been getting harder to eliminate and have grown increasingly resistant to prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies.
Myth:
Home remedies like mayonnaise and petroleum jelly are effective treatments for lice.
Reality: While using chemical-free methods for killing lice is a better alternative, home remedies like these are not proven to do the job. All-natural products made specifically to treat lice are the best option.