TULSA (918) 779-0001 OKC (405) 400-1622 NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (479) 717-9204 SPRINGFIELD (417) 551-6314 WICHITA (316) 352-9349

Understanding and Treating Lice in African-American Hair

/in /by

Key Takeaways

 

  • Prevalence of Lice: Lice is less common in African-American hair due to its shaft circumference and texture but can still occur, according to Consumer Reports.
  • Hair Texture and Lice Treatment: Tight curls and coarse texture make it more difficult for the lice to grip the hair, so they tend to migrate to hair that they can grip.
  • Effective Treatment Products: The AirAllé device is the most effective option for treating lice in African-American hair.
  • Preventative Measures: Regular head checks, avoiding sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, and hats, and protective hairstyles such as braids can help prevent lice infestations.
  • Myths and Misconceptions: Lice doesn’t prefer dirty hair and can’t jump or fly. Home remedies like mayonnaise or kerosene are not effective! In fact, it can be dangerous if misused or if young children are left unattended.
  • Professional Treatment Options: Lice Clinics Of America clinics offer safe, effective, non-chemical treatments using the AirAllé device for comprehensive lice removal.

Dealing with head lice is a challenge no one wants to face, but it’s an issue that can affect anyone. However, when it comes to African-American hair, there are some unique aspects to consider. Let’s dive into understanding lice prevalence in African-American communities, effective treatments, and best practices for prevention.

 

Prevalence of Lice in African-American Communities


While lice infestations are less common among African Americans, they are not unheard of. Lice can infest anyone regardless of hair type or ethnicity, but certain hair textures may offer some natural resistance. Studies have shown that lice have a more challenging time gripping onto the shape and texture of African-American hair, which can lead to a lower infestation rate. However, this does not make African-American hair immune to lice.

Hair Texture and Lice Treatment


African-American hair, often characterized by its tight curls and coarser texture, can make it more difficult for lice to latch on and navigate. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible, though, and once lice do find a home, treatment can be challenging due to the hair’s structure. The tight coils and denser strands mean that lice and their eggs can hide more effectively, making them harder to detect and remove if using traditional combing. The AirAlle device is the only FDA-cleared device that works just as effectively on all hair types.

Effective Lice Treatment Products for African-American Hair


Treating lice in African-American hair requires special consideration. Over-the-counter treatments and prescription shampoos are commonly used, but their effectiveness can vary. Chemical treatments often recommended for lice can sometimes be harsh on African-American hair, potentially causing dryness or damage.

One highly effective and safe option is the FDA-cleared AirAllé device. This device uses heated air to dehydrate and kill lice and their eggs without the use of chemicals, making it gentle on all hair types, including African-American hair. 

Preventative Lice Infestation Measures and Best Practices


Preventing lice infestations involves regular head checks:

  • Routine Checks: Regularly inspect your child’s hair, especially after playdates or school. Use a fine-toothed comb to part the hair and check the hair near the scalp for any signs of lice or nits.
  • Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Teach children not to share hats, combs, or hair accessories with others. Lice spread most often through direct head-to-head contact but can transfer from hair left on hats or hair brushes and be shared immediately with another while the lice remain viable.
  • Protective Hairstyles: Braids, buns, or cornrows can minimize hair exposure and make it harder for lice to travel from one person to another.

Professional Lice Treatment Options


Professional treatment can offer peace of mind and effective results when dealing with lice in African-American hair. Lice Clinics of America MidSouth serves Tulsa, OK, Oklahoma OK, Wichita OK, Springfield, MO, Lowell, AR, and Wichita, KS, and provides a range of head lice treatment services tailored to all hair types, ensuring safe and comprehensive lice removal. The AirAllé device, a cornerstone of our treatment options, is the only FDA-cleared heated air device on the market that conducted clinical trials validating it is 99.2% effective with a single treatment. Our clinics also offer kits with non-toxic topical treatments that are easy to use and highly effective for those who prefer at-home therapies.

Understanding these aspects can help you manage and prevent lice infestations effectively. For more information or to find a clinic near you, visit Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth. If you need immediate assistance, contact us to book an appointment.

 

FAQs


Why are lice infestations less common in African-American hair?
Lice infestations are less common in African-American hair, primarily due to the hair’s unique structure and texture. African-American hair is often tightly coiled and coarser compared to other hair types. This makes it more difficult for lice to grip the hair shafts and move around. Studies have shown that lice have more difficulty attaching their eggs, or nits, to textured hair strands. While this natural resistance reduces the prevalence, it does not make African-American hair immune to lice. Lice can still infest if there is direct head-to-head contact with a lice-infested person, but the unique hair characteristics provide a degree of protection.

What are the challenges of treating lice in African-American hair?
Treating lice in African-American hair presents several challenges due to its texture and structure. The tight curls and coarser strands can make detecting and removing lice and their eggs difficult. Standard lice combs may not effectively navigate through the dense curls, making manual removal harder. Additionally, many over-the-counter chemical treatments can be harsh on African-American hair, potentially causing dryness, breakage, or damage. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose lice treatments that are gentle and designed explicitly for textured hair to ensure both effective lice removal and the maintenance of healthy hair.

What lice treatment products are effective and safe for African-American hair?
Effective and safe lice treatment products for African-American hair include mechanical and natural options. The FDA-cleared AirAllé device is highly recommended as it uses heated air to dehydrate and kill lice and their eggs without chemicals, making it gentle on all hair types. 

What preventative measures can help avoid lice infestations in African-American hair?
Preventative measures to avoid lice infestations in African-American hair include regular checks and good hygiene practices. Routinely inspect your child’s hair, especially after activities involving close contact, such as playdates or school. Use a fine-toothed comb to part the hair and check the scalp for signs of lice or nits. Teaching children not to share personal items like hats, combs, hair accessories, or bedding is crucial since lice spreads through direct contact. Protective hairstyles such as braids, buns, or cornrows can also help minimize hair exposure, making it harder for lice to transfer between strands and reducing the risk of infestation.

What are common myths and misconceptions about lice in African-American hair?
There are several myths and misconceptions about lice in African-American hair. They seek a warm, secure environment close to the scalp to feed on blood. Another misconception is that lice can jump or fly; they can only crawl, meaning direct head-to-head contact is the primary requirement for them to spread. Additionally, some believe that home remedies like mayonnaise or petroleum jelly can suffocate lice – none of those methods are effective.

What professional treatment options are available for lice in African-American hair?
Professional treatment options for lice in African-American hair are highly effective and provide peace of mind. Lice Clinics of America offers services tailored to all hair types, including African-American hair. The AirAllé device is a cornerstone of their treatment options, using heated air to dehydrate and kill lice and their eggs without chemicals, making it gentle and effective. For those preferring at-home treatments, the clinics provide easy-to-use kits that are highly effective. Professional treatments ensure thorough lice removal and are often more convenient and reliable than home remedies, providing comprehensive care and support.

How Do You Do A Proper Head Lice Check At Home?

/in /by

The simplest solution is to have a professional conduct head check, but if you want to screen at home, it’s important to get the right tools.  You will need a proper professional lice comb, available at Lice Clinics of America.  Low-quality pharmacy combs have poor tines that lack the strength, spacing, or grooves to promote friction necessary for lice removal.

Fill a small white plastic container with water.  Comb through the hair from root to tip, and then aggressively rinse the comb in the water.  Make sure you are scraping along the scalp with each pass.  With proper lighting and magnification, examine any dark floating items to see if you have removed eggs or bugs.  Eggs have a teardrop shape, and bugs will look jagged due to their legs and antenna.

Lice and eggs can be VERY small, so when in doubt, schedule an appointment with a professional.

 

Are Head Lice Common At Summer Camps? How Do I Protect My Child?

/in /by

The prevalence of lice depends a great deal on the age and gender of the campers.  Lice is most common in girls aged 4 to 12.  At Lice Clinics of America, we have screened camps where more than 10% of campers were positive, but it’s usually closer to 5-8%.

If you are concerned your child may have lice, have them professionally treated BEFORE arriving at camp to avoid the embarrassment of being sent home.  To protect your child from exposure, use peppermint repellant sprays on jackets, backpacks, caps, as well as campers.  Peppermint makes your child less inviting to lice looking to spread.

Before your child returns from camp, it would be wise to have them screened by a professional before reintroducing them to the home.   Remember, cheer, dance, and gymnastics have the highest level of lice, followed closely by a church camp.  Stay alert!

Are Certain Activities More Common To Expose Kids to Head Lice?

/in /by

It’s important to know some lice basics.  Lice cannot jump or fly, they can only climb.  Also, lice tend to die when off the head for longer than 48 hours (though nits can last a few days).

The three most common activities that spread lice are dance, cheer, and gymnastics.  Repeatedly tumbling on mats, sharing brushes, and team hugs are all high risks for lice.   Other common origins include softball, church youth groups, reading mat time at school, or visiting family.

Longer hair makes you more susceptible to head lice.  When engaging in activities that bring you in close contact with others, putting your hair up in a ponytail or braid is the best defense against lice.  You can also use peppermint sprays and shampoos as a repellant, or Active Rinse (dimethicone) to reduce the risk of new bugs starting an infestation.

Why Don’t Over The Counter Medications Work Anymore?

/in /by

A 2016 article in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that at-home lice treatments are less than 25% effective.  This study was conducted in ideal circumstances, with only one lice-positive child in the home.  What’s gone wrong?

For 30 years, over-the-counter medications worked well.  They worked so well that they eliminated lice that were susceptible to over-the-counter pesticides.  Today’s lice, commonly known as “Super Lice,” are resistant to the pesticides you find at the pharmacy.

Treatment clinics are stepping into the void.  The FDA-cleared dehydration process at Lice Clinics of America is over 99% effective.  Dehydration kills both bugs AND eggs making the comb-out process merely cosmetic.  Treatments take roughly an hour, contain no pesticides, and are vastly more effective.

Over the counter had their day, but modern lice treatment requires a new solution.

The Real Health Risk of Head Lice

/in /by

Nothing sets off a parent’s anxiety quite like when their children come home with head lice—the bugs are creepy. For centuries, head lice have been associated with (incorrectly, we might add) poor hygiene, which can embarrass parents and heighten their anxiety.

It’s been pointed out many times that head lice pose no real health threat to humans. Yes, the scalp itches, and yes, treating head lice can be frustrating, but as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says: “Head lice should not be considered as a medical or public health hazard. Head lice are not known to spread disease. Head lice can be an annoyance because their presence may cause itching and loss of sleep. Sometimes the itching can lead to excessive scratching that can sometimes increase the chance of a secondary skin infection.”

 

The most physical damage head lice can cause to a child is a secondary skin infection, and this is relatively rare. But that’s not the end of the story. There are health risks associated with head lice, but not from what you might think.

 

Is the Cure Worse than the Problem?

 

According to pest control experts at IdentifyUS, “The greatest harm associated with head lice results from the well-intentioned but misguided use of caustic or toxic substances to eliminate the lice.”

 

In other words, the retail products and home remedies for head lice can cause more health problems than the lice alone might cause. A 2017 study in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reports that “exposure to certain pyrethroids, at environmental levels, may negatively affect neurobehavioral development by 6 years of age.”

Pyrethroids are the chemicals used in over-the-counter lice products. A 2015 study in Environmental Health found that, “Pyrethroid pesticides cause abnormalities in the dopamine system and produce an ADHD phenotype in animal models, with effects accentuated in males versus females. However, data regarding behavioral effects of pyrethroid exposure in children is limited.”

 

Then there are home remedies—mayonnaise, petroleum jelly, even kerosene—recommended by well-meaning parents as fool-proof lice treatments. The idea is to smother the lice with some gooey substance that will suffocate them. Unfortunately, these “cures” usually involve wrapping a child’s head in plastic overnight to keep the substance in place. This practice has had tragic results.

 

A Different Approach

 

It doesn’t have to be this way. The FDA-cleared medical device AirAllé from Lice Clinics of America removes lice quickly and effectively without the risks of pesticides and home treatments. The AirAllé device uses microprocessor-controlled warm air, applied by trained technicians to dehydrate live lice and eggs in a matter of minutes. It has been clinically proven to kill lice and more than 99 percent of eggs.

 

Treatment using the AirAllé medical device is available exclusively at Lice Clinics of America treatment centers. With more than 150 clinics in the U.S. and another 100 in 20 other countries, Lice Clinics of America is the largest and fastest-growing network of lice treatment centers in the world. Collectively, there have been over 1 million successful AirAllé treatments to date. Treatment using the AirAllé device takes about 60 to 90 minutes and is guaranteed to be effective.

Lice Clinics of America has successfully treated more than 1 million cases of head lice. The company has more than 265 clinics in 20 countries, making it the world’s largest network of professional lice treatment centers. Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth has locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lowell, AR. Each location is open seven days a week by appointment. Call 918-236-7182 visit www.liceclinicsmidsouth.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

It’s Not Lice, but I’m Still Itchy! Part 2!

/in /by

In a previous post, we identified some scalp conditions that may be causing your head to itch instead of lice. If you thought that was an exhaustive list, you would be wrong. Here are some more head-scratchers.

 

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is a common skin condition in which the hair follicles become inflamed. It is usually the result of a bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle. This may cause small pus-filled bumps like little pimples and may cause irritation and itchiness.

 

Cysts

Cysts are pockets or sacs filled with fluid or some other substance. They vary in size from very tiny to very large. There are many different types of cysts and they can occur anywhere on the body. Several different types of cysts can occur on the scalp. They may feel like tiny bumps or large lumps and they can cause irritation or discomfort.

 

Herpes Zoster

A Herpes Zoster eruption is known more commonly as Shingles. Shingles can erupt anywhere on the scalp. Shingles can cause irritation, discomfort, and painful blisters.

 

Other Infestations can also occur.

Scabies

This common infestation is caused by a mite. It usually does not affect the scalp, except in infants or people who are immunocompromised. It can cause small bumps which are intensely itchy.

 

Bed Bugs

Like head lice, these small parasites feed on human blood. Unlike head lice, they do not live on the body. Their bites leave red welts which may be painful or itchy. While they may affect the scalp, their bites are more common on the face, neck, and other areas of the body.

 

As you can see, there are many different conditions, skin disorders, and infestations that can affect the scalp and may mimic some of the symptoms of a head lice infestation. We have only listed a few of the most common ones. There are many more.

 

Lice Clinics of America – MidSouth is a member of the world’s largest network of lice clinics and all technicians have been trained and certified to operate our exclusive AirAllé device. This revolutionary FDA-cleared medical device kills head lice and over 99% of lice eggs using specially controlled heated air.

 

Lice Clinics of America has successfully treated more than 1 million cases of head lice. The company has more than 265 clinics in 20 countries, making it the world’s largest network of professional lice treatment centers. Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth has locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lowell, AR. Each location is open seven days a week by appointment. Call 918-236-7182 visit www.liceclinicsmidsouth.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

It’s Not Lice, but I’m Still Itchy!

/in /by

Your head has been itchy, you’ve checked yourself for head lice and your screening came back negative. What else could it be??

 

There are many other scalp conditions that may cause itching and can mimic the symptoms and some of the physical findings experienced with a head lice infestation. Below, we’ll get into what else could cause an itchy head!

 

Tinea Capitis

Tinea Capitis is a common fungal infection that causes irritation and inflammation of the scalp. It is more common in children than adults but may affect anyone.

 

Seborrheic Scalp Dermatitis

Seborrheic Scalp Dermatitis is a common scalp condition affecting infants, adolescents, and adults. It causes irritation and inflammation of the scalp. In infants, it is usually called “Cradle Cap”. This skin condition causes redness and scaly patches. Milder forms may result in stubborn dandruff. More severe cases cause thick, scaly areas and scalp irritation.

 

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. It is most frequent in children but can occur at any age. It causes the skin to be red and itchy. Sometimes the itchiness can be severe.

 

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease affecting skin cells. It can involve the scalp. Psoriasis causes redness, irritation, and thick scaly areas of the skin. It tends to go through cycles. It may flare up for weeks or months and then subside for a time before flaring up again.

 

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is the result of an allergy or sensitivity to something. It can cause redness, flaking, and itchiness. In more severe cases, it may cause blisters. The most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis on the scalp is a hair product.

 

As you can see, there are many different conditions, skin disorders, and infestations that can affect the scalp and may mimic some of the symptoms of a head lice infestation. We have only listed a few of the most common ones. There are many more.

 

Lice Clinics of America – MidSouth is a member of the world’s largest network of lice clinics and all technicians have been trained and certified to operate our exclusive AirAllé device. This revolutionary FDA-cleared medical device kills head lice and over 99% of lice eggs using specially controlled heated air.

 

Lice Clinics of America has successfully treated more than 1 million cases of head lice. The company has more than 265 clinics in 20 countries, making it the world’s largest network of professional lice treatment centers. Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth has locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lowell, AR. Each location is open seven days a week by appointment. Call 918-236-7182 visit www.liceclinicsmidsouth.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Telling the difference between Head Lice and Dandruff

/in /by

If you are like most parents, you worry about your kids getting head lice. If you get a glimpse of something not right on your child’s hair, your anxiety shoots up, right? Other than head lice, another common affliction that produces out-of-place specks in hair is dandruff. It’s important to be able to tell these apart since the remedies for each are completely different. 

So, what’s the difference between dandruff and head lice? Dandruff is a chronic skin condition that produces dry, flaky bits of skin. Head lice are small, parasitic insects that feed off the blood under your scalp. Dandruff will typically be found directly on the scalp where they fall off easily. While head lice look like the tiny, sesame-seed-sized bugs they are, their nits (lice eggs) can often look like dandruff flakes; however, nits stay firmly attached to the hair shafts.

 ­

“While lice are very contagious, dandruff definitely isn’t,” says Jessie Foley, manager owner of Lice Clinics of America – MidSouth, which is part of the nationwide Lice Clinics of America clinic network. “Head lice spread from person to person through direct head-to-head contact. And on rare occasions head lice may also spread to someone sharing a hat, helmet or other headgear of an infested person.”

 

Both dandruff and head lice could make your head itch. “We have had people come in thinking they have lice, but it turns out they just have dandruff,” says Jessie. “If you can easily brush or pull the flakes off, it is probably dandruff. If they are stuck on the hair, it is probably nits.”

 

Lice Clinics of America uses a proprietary FDA-cleared medical device, the AirAllé, that takes care of removing live head lice and their nits in about an hour. The clinically proven treatment is 99.2% effective and has successfully treated over 1 million cases nationwide.

 

Lice Clinics of America has successfully treated more than 1 million cases of head lice. The company has more than 265 clinics in 20 countries, making it the world’s largest network of professional lice treatment centers. Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth has locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lowell, AR. Each location is open seven days a week by appointment. Call 918-236-7182 visit www.liceclinicsmidsouth.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.

 

10 Myths about Lice – Busted

/in /by

One of the most harmful things about head lice is the wealth of misinformation that surrounds them. Parents are scared of them, kids are bullied because of them, and frankly, lice are a big nuisance. Here are some myths and facts to clear up any confusion you may have about pesky head lice.

 

MYTHS – BUSTED

Myth: Head lice jump from one head to another.

Fact: Lice cannot jump or fly. They crawl from one head to another, which is why they spread through head-to-head contact.

 

Myth: Only kids get lice

Fact: Anyone can get lice. Cuddly children can spread lice to their parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other adults they hug.

 

Myth: Kids get lice primarily at school

Fact: Kids can get lice whenever they are in close contact with other infested children, such as when they are at sleepovers, camps or sporting events.

 

Myth: If you have lice, your head will itch.

Fact: Itching is an allergic reaction to lice secretions. But not everyone has this allergy. You can have lice and have no itching. Itching can also take weeks to develop.

 

Myth: If you have lice you need to bag your stuffed animals for 2 weeks

Fact: Lice cannot live off a human head for longer than 48 hours. For peace of mind, just throw the stuffed animals into the dryer on high heat for a cycle.

 

Myth: You can get lice from your pets.

Fact: Human head lice do not live on animals. They are human parasites and live off human blood. Your pets cannot spread it to you and vice versa.

 

Myth: You can get lice from your couches, carpets, etc.

Fact: Again, head lice cannot live off a human head for longer than 48 hours. Most are dead within 15 hours. The risk of getting infested by a louse that has fallen onto a rug or carpet or furniture is extremely low.

 

Myth: You can treat lice using household products like mayo

Fact: While mayo could possibly clog up the airways on a louse’s body, it is not an effective method for getting rid of lice. Mayo also has no effect on the lice eggs, which will continue to hatch.

 

Myth: Head lice carry diseases.

Fact: Fact: Human head lice do not carry disease. They are a nuisance parasite, but not dangerous.

 

Myth:  You get lice because you are dirty

Fact: As long as there is a scalp that a louse can feed on, it doesn’t care whether the hair is dirty or clean.

 

Lice Clinics of America has successfully treated more than 1 million cases of head lice. The company has more than 265 clinics in 20 countries, making it the world’s largest network of professional lice treatment centers. Lice Clinics of America – Midsouth has locations in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Lowell, AR. Each location is open seven days a week by appointment. Call 918-236-7182 visit www.liceclinicsmidsouth.com for more information or to schedule an appointment.