Head lice it’s almost a compliment.

Head lice it’s almost a compliment. I remember growing up and having school wide lice checks. There would be a child found with lice causing the rest of us to be lined up in the gymnasium to get our hair prodded and pulled and checked over with a fine comb for lice. (I am not sure if they do this anymore since that was many years ago) The kids found with the “outbreak” would sit in the front office waiting for an embarrassed parent to come and pick them up. Invariably these parents would point fingers and try to find someone to blame for the outbreak. Well a few misconceptions should be cleared about lice. Lice are in general thought to be because of a dirty environment but this is a myth. In fact lice love a clean environment. The cleaner the better, because the more grease or oils in the hair the harder it is for the critters to hold onto. This is one of the reasons why years ago mayonnaise (and other oily fatty substances) was used as a treatment for lice removal (typically they would have their hair coated and wear this mess over night, talk about creating aversions). There are now prescriptions as well as over the counter creams, ointments, and shampoos to get rid of these ever so clingy pests. So if you find yourself taking the “walk of shame” picking up your lice infected child remember your child’s hair is clean making them a good host. So if anyone gives you lip about not wanting to be infected by your child you can set him or her strait. Lice only like clean hair!
photo credit: Robert S. Donovan