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The Lice Lie

It started with one little girl who came up to me, itching, and telling me something about her head.I thought she had hurt herself but didnt see or feel anything. Based on what she was saying to me (in arabic) and her conversation with another child who came to be of assistance (after seeing his response), I figured she was telling me she had lice. I then asked her in English but she didnt know what lice was. Another student seemed to confirm my question and she said lice as if she knew what it was-in perfect English.

at this point, there is no confirmation and class continues as scheduled.

Coteacher arrives and amazingly I remember and have her repeat what she said.CT immediately takes her to nurse. Of course, she returns. Days later, more are added to this little party in my room. And to this point, Im still concerned but not for myself.

Because "black people dont get lice". And thats what Ive always heard.

But the number continues to rise. And one of my sweet girls sat on my lap and laid her head on my shoulder. I start to wonder.My itchy scalp doesnt help.Today I decide to google black people and lice.  AND IVE BEEN LIED TO!!!!!




ok, its a lot less likely for two reasons. (1) we put oil in our hair and (2) we have a coil to our hair that they dont like. UNLESS you live in a country where they have adapted and can set up shop in your kinky/coily tresses. But it is possible EVEN if you have locs!!!!


To make matters worse-I google pictures of lice because I want to know if they can be seen in the hair and I want to peel off my skin afterwards!!!!!!! I had the nurse to check me out but that didnt make me feel too confident. I asked my friend to come over after work-leaving out the part about us spending some quality time together-her checking me out under a light to make sure the nurse didnt miss it.And because she is the wonderful jokester that she is, she almost got slapped when she said she saw one!

Needless to say, I am clean and it is all in my head.pun not intended! But now that I know its possible I can (1) stop perpetuating the lie and forget about that false sense of comfort I had and (2) make sure I protect myself because It would be so difficult to tackle that with my hair and I would only cut it off if my life depended on it and was confirmed by 2nd and 3rd opinion,lol.


So know that everyone is at risk.Some less than others depending on where you live. And if you do have it, there are ways to get it out even if you dont comb your hair.

Good day!


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