The myth that Black people don’t get lice isn’t true. Here are the signs to watch out for, according to a dermatologist.

• The myth that people with tightly coiled hair can't get lice is a common misconception, according to an expert.
• Dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry told Insider lice can exist on all hair types and should be treated by a professional.

Lice infestations are a common problem among young children that can result in scalp irritation.

The small parasitic insects can live on the scalp, feed off blood, and create colonies when left untreated, according to the Mayo Clinic.

While anyone can get an infestation, Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist, told Insider there is a common misconception that Black people with curly, kinky hair can't get lice.

Deborah, a mother from Cleveland, Ohio, told Allure she didn't think she could get lice after her biracial daughter with looser Type 2 hair came home with an infestation from school. Two days later, both she and her other daughter, Lauren, had lice.

"I was looking in the bathroom mirror and [the lice were] kind of tangled up and caught in my hair," Lauren told Allure. "I was honestly surprised because I have pretty kinky hair. Thick, coily, 4C hair, styled in locs — so to get lice just didn't make sense to me."

Henry said while different hair textures are more well-suited to ward off the critters, anyone can be a host.

"It is less frequent," Henry said. "There are all these myths that the hair is inhospitable. That's not the reason."

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), head lice infestations are less common in curly hair types, but Henry says everyone should be aware of the symptoms of the condition, like intense itching, tickling, and finding lice eggs – or nits – in your hair.

Lice infestations often result in an itching, burning scalp

People with a lice infestation may experience tickling, itching, and burning on their scalp, according to the CDC . Because lice feed off human blood, they can irritate the scalp by biting it and leave behind bloody scabs.

Lice will also lay eggs to reproduce, which cling to hair strands and resemble white specks.

Henry says these symptoms should look no different in curly hair types, so if you or your child feel itching or burning, you may want to check for lice. Lice and their eggs are easiest to spot along the nape of the neck and on your ears.

Lice are more common in straight hair, but they can still attach to curly hair

According to Henry, lice are more likely to attach to straight hair because of the shape of the follicle.

Henry said people with curly hair have an elliptical follicle that creates hair patterns resembling an "S" that lice have a harder time grasping onto. People with wavy and straight hair have circular follicles that make strands of hair straight.

However, Henry said that doesn't mean lice can't attach to curlier hair types like Type 4 hair.

Treating lice in curly hair types should be approached with the same caution and care as straight hair

Henry told Insider anyone with curly hair who thinks they may have lice should enlist the help of an expert. Rather than wasting time and money trying to cure an infestation with over-the-counter products, Henry recommends calling a dermatologist and making an appointment.

"You really wanna make sure that you are getting the most effective treatment earliest, and you're gonna get that treatment at your dermatologist's office," she said.