Four Words Every Parent/Caregiver Dreads Hearing

 

 

Ukus Demystified

 
We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming for this important message:
 
Ukus are still alive and well, even now in COVID times.
 
As an early childhood educator, ukus (head lice)are an occupational hazard. They come with the territory...and I actually had a close call this week! So let’s dispel some of the well known myths about these tiny parasites and hopefully, you’ll have a little less anxiety the next time you hear those dreaded four words “Your keiki has ukus”.
 
❌MYTH #1: Ukus can jump or fly❌
 
✅FACT: Ukus can only crawl...and they’re actually quite fast. Their claws have adapted to moving from hair shaft to hair shaft so well that they cannot move on a smooth surface! Now wouldn’t that be a fun experiment next time your keiki has ukus? 😆
 
❌MYTH #2: Ukus mean poor hygiene❌
 
✅FACT: This stigma is detrimental, especially to young children who feel embarrassed or ashamed when they have ukus. In reality, ukus don’t care about hair cleanliness. They’re equal opportunists in that way. What they really want is human blood and a warm place to lay their eggs.
 
❌MYTH #3: Ukus can live off the head for a long time❌
 
✅FACT: Ukus feed frequently so if they leave the head, they’ll die within 24 to 48 hours. Studies have shown that ukus on carpets, furnitures, brushes and combs are extremely rare. In fact, it’s been found that less than 2% of cases are transmitted by the environment. (1)
 
👉With that said, if your keiki has ukus, it is still recommended that you vacuum carpets and furniture for extra precaution. BUT, there is absolutely no need to use any bug bombs, sprays or fumigation in your home. Many are toxic and make no difference.
 
So was this new information for you...or was I just “nit-picking”? Let me know in the comments below!

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