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Head lice management is surrounded by a large amount of misinformation and myths about the nature of head lice and what is and isn't effective treatment. Much of the misunderstanding, stigma and blame about head lice have come about because many people do not know how head lice reproduce, grow and are spread from head to head. Understanding the biology and lifecycle of head lice will enable you to understand the management recommendations.
The following fact sheet and brochure have been produced by Queensland Health based on the most current scientific research on head lice management.
Managing Head Lice at Home is a more detailed document providing the latest information about detection, treatment and notification of head lice.
| Myth |
Facts |
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Head lice only live in dirty hair
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Head lice have no preference for dirty or clean hair. As long as the scalp is warm and moist and you have blood (their food source), you're a good home... that's all of us! |
| Head lice jump and fly |
Head lice do not have wings or grasshopper legs. They have six strong claws, which they use to swing from hair-to-hair. |
| Head lice are effectively treated after one treatment session |
Neither chemical or non-chemical treatment kills or removes all the eggs. So young lice will hatch from the eggs after the initial treatment. It is necessary to have more then one treatment to remove the young immature lice before they breed. In this way you can break the head lice lifecycle. |
| Head lice live and breed in the house/classroom |
The lifecycle of the lice must be completed on the human head. They die very rapidly off the head from dehydration. The eggs need the warmth and moisture of the scalp to hatch. The lice need the warmth, moisture and food source of the head to live and breed. |
| Head lice carry disease and viruses |
Head lice do not carry or transmit disease. They are a nuisance to humans not a health hazard. |
Source: Queensland Health 2006 Head Lice http://www.health.qld.gov.au/headlice/about/default.asp
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