Is it possible for black people to have lice? When it comes to head lice, this is one of the most frequently asked questions. People have the misperception that black people are immune to having lice in their hair.
Lice infestations are possible in black people, but they are less common than in the hair of other races. What makes us think that’s possible? Can black people get lice in their hair? You’ll find all the information you need about head lice in this post.
What is head lice?
Head lice are wingless parasites that live in the hair of humans. They are more common in children and women and may spread quickly amongst them.
They might be difficult to get rid of as well. Nits are the lice’s eggs. While not hazardous to health, they may cause irritability and trouble sleeping. When it comes to the spread of head lice, no one is safe from the risk of contracting them.
Symptoms of head lice
Itching is the most common sign of an infestation. Some people who are allergic to louse bites might have a strong reaction to itching.
Even after several infestations, some people are not sensitive to the saliva or have developed a tolerance to it. As a result, during the first 2 – 6 weeks after an infestation, some individuals may not suffer from itching. A lengthy period may pass before the infection is noticed as a consequence.
Head lice may cause sores on the head from scratching, pink eye, enlarged lymph nodes, irritation, and a sense of movement in your hair.
Black people and head lice
Can Black People Get Lice in their Hair? Head lice are found in black individuals, but they are not as common as in other races. In contrast to Caucasian, Hispanic, and Asian hair, the texture of black people’s hair is unique
People of African ancestry are recognized for having hair that is tightly curled, which makes them stand out among other races. Head lice can’t get their hooks around the hair shafts of black people because of this.
It is estimated that African Americans are significantly less likely than the general population to be infected with head lice. In the U.S, head lice have claws that make it easier for them to grab uncoiling hair.
According to a study published in 2018, African Americans are less likely than the general population to get head lice. It’s thought that this has something to do with the claw form of most head lice, as well as the shape and diameter of the hair shaft in curly hair.
Coily hair, such as those of black people, has an oval cross-section, while the cross-section of other hair types is round. Circular hair shafts make it simpler for head lice to latch on.
In addition, specialists believe that hair oils might have a role. It is more difficult for the head lice to attach to hair that has been treated with petroleum jelly. Furthermore, studies show that African American females are more prone than women of other races to using hair products at a younger age.
Causes of head lice
When lice are transmitted from one person’s hair to another person’s hair via direct hair-to-hair contact, an infestation of head lice ensues. An adult head louse relies on blood for survival and may live on a person’s head for roughly 30 days.
The head louse usually dies one to two days after it falls off, and the eggs (nits) usually die in a week. People who have head lice should not share personal items like brushes, combs, headbands, headset earphones, earphones, towels, clothes, or headgear with others.
Infestations may affect hair of any length or condition, and aren’t always caused by dirty or unclean hair. However, animals cannot be exposed to or infected by human head lice.
Treatment
Head lice may also be treated at home using natural methods. Home remedies for removing head lice include the following:
Wet-combing
A fine-toothed nit comb may be used to remove lice and nits from damp hair. A hair conditioner should be used to lubricate the hair. At the very least, go over your entire head, from the roots to the ends, using the comb at least twice throughout each session. Repeat the procedure every three to four days for at least 2 weeks after no more lice are spotted.
Essential Oils
In several clinical studies, natural plant oils, also known as essential oils, have been shown to be toxic to lice and their eggs. Some of the products easily available are tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, nerolidol, and anise oil.
The Bottom Line
Despite the fact that black individuals may develop lice in their hair, they are less susceptible to head lice than other races, such as white people (Asian, Hispanic, and Caucasian).
This is due to the fact that lice have a more difficult time getting their claws into dark hair, making them less prone to contracting head lice.
