A recent study found that in 11% of cases while treatment worked initially, the head lice came back. GP Dr Chris George reveals the one thing that will break the cycle for good
With back to school in full swing, many parents will be worried about head lice. And indeed, September is Head Lice Prevention Month. Superdrug has recently reported a 21.2% increase in sales of its head lice treatment spray and warned of a sharp increase in head lice cases. But if you’re scratching your head about how to prevent them finding your little one – or how to treat them if they do – don’t panic. Help is at hand. Dr Chis George, a GP and ambassador for Vosene Kids reveals how it’s done.
How can you tell if your child has head lice?
The most common signs of head lice include: itching and scratching around the scalp, neck and ears, red bumps or skin irritation and difficulty sleeping as head lice are more active at night. The best way to check is using a fine tooth comb on wet hair, which is often best done after a bath or shower. Checking regularly allows parents to spot head lice early and treat them more effectively.
What to do if your child has head lice
- Treat head lice as soon as you spot them – the good news is that they can be treated without needing to see a GP.
- There is no need to keep children off school and laundry does not need to be washed on a hot wash. It is generally advised that sleep overs or close contact activities are avoided until they are clear of headlice however.
- Head lice can be removed by wet combing. Usually, the hair is washed with ordinary shampoo, before lots of conditioner is applied. Then, you simply comb the whole head of hair from the roots to the ends. If you do one thing, it’s to be thorough and follow the 1, 5, 9, 13 rule. It is recommended to do wet combing on days 1, 5, 9 and 13 to remove any newly hatched head lice. A check on day 17 will allow you to ensure that everyone’s hair is free of lice. Do this, and the critters will be gone. Try the Superdrug Detection Headlice Comb, £2.29.
- Treatment can include a medicated lotion or spray too, a repeat application after seven days and a thorough daily comb using a lice detection comb for at least two weeks.
How to avoid the most common pitfalls
The common pitfalls in the treatment of head lice are eggs hatching after the initial treatment and therefore causing a continued infestation, reinfection from close contacts/school outbreaks, not fully removing all lice during the treatment process, not repeating the treatment after seven days, not following good hygiene measures (washing hats, pillowcases, brushes etc) and not treating everyone in the household who have lice.
How to prevent head lice
Preventing head lice isn’t always possible but taking certain steps may indeed help prevent them and protect your child.
- Good hygiene measures are key so avoiding sharing brushes, hats, headphones or towels is key.
- The natural repellents such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus can help deter head lice.
- Avoid head-to-head contact during play and social activities can help reduce the risk.
- Tying long hair back in a ponytail can help to avoid the transmission of head lice.
- Regularly checking allows quick action and effective treatment, especially during outbreaks at school.
