Headlice

Headlice are tiny insects that live in the hair and on the scalp of humans. With no wings or ability to jump, they just walk from person to person whenever two heads touch. Anyone can catch them, and three million people a year do, but they’re most common in children because of the close contact kids have with each other as they play.

The common perception is that headlice like clean hair, but in fact they’re not that picky – any hair will make them a nice new home. The good news is, they’re easier to evict than ever.

How do I know if my child’s got headlice?

There’s nothing you can do to stop your child catching headlice, but regularly checking their hair and scalp will help you spot and treat them sooner. They don’t make everyone itch, so don’t wait for this as a sign your child’s got them.

To check for headlice, start by shampooing your child’s hair as normal. Rinse, then apply as much conditioner as you need to coat his or her hair. With a normal comb, remove any tangles, then take a section of hair and slowly comb from the scalp to the ends. Look at the comb in a good light to see if you can spot any lice. Carry on till you’ve been through all of your child’s hair, or found a louse.

How can I treat headlice?

If you’ve spotted live lice, your child will need treatment. Don’t worry, nowadays most treatments are simply lotions you work into their hair and shampoo out a later. They’re very effective and there are options for children with sensitive skin, eczema and asthma.

If all you can see are eggs, instead of using a treatment you’ll need to comb them out using a special fine metal comb from your pharmacist.

Either way, check your child’s hair again a week later in case any remaining eggs have now hatched. Follow the instructions on any treatment packaging carefully to make sure you get the best results. If you don’t think the problem has gone away, talk to your pharmacist. It may be that another treatment will suit your child better.

Spread the word, not the lice!

Talk to other parents whose children have had contact with yours, as well as any grown-up friends and family. The lice walked onto your little one’s head from someone else’s, and your child could have passed them on again before you spotted them. To avoid a return visit, encourage others to be on the look out.

Product examples: Derbac M, Full Marks, Hedrin, Lyclear, Nice n Clear, Quit Nits.

Always read the label. Please ask our pharmacist for advice.