Head lice
How this topic helps your child's learning
Nits and head lice are a common problem among younger schoolchildren. However, the problem can be tackled if parents are vigilant and children admit to having an itchy scalp.
The pupil information is designed to convey some simple facts within the context of PHSE/Health Education.
For pupils aged 5-7 Boots Learning Store offers this information in the form of a quiz.
For pupils aged 7-11, the opportunity has been taken to introduce this healthcare information in the context of a mathematical game.
The basics
Head lice are small crawling insects with short legs and claws which allow them to hold on to the hair shafts. The female lays eggs on the base of hair shafts. The eggs hatch within a week to ten days and the hatched lice are ready to reproduce in a further one to two weeks. Thus, the problem escalates rapidly.
Contrary to popular belief, lice do not jump, fly or swim and they do not live on pets or furniture. They are human parasites and will generally die if they are away from their host for more than a couple of days.
Head lice feed on blood from the scalp and are very common in children. They affect all social classes and are easily passed from one child to another by close contact. Other family members are often infested.
Useful things to know
The first signs of infestation are seeing the actual lice. Head lice can also cause intense itching of the scalp. This may be the only symptom, but it does not usually happen immediately. The scalp may develop inflamed areas which can easily become infected.
Head lice can be difficult to detect. A special comb can be used to look for egg cases (nits). Use the comb on wet, conditioned, freshly washed hair.
There are several products for killing head lice. These are applied as a liquid lotion, mousse or conditioning rinse. To reduce the risk of head lice becoming resistant to treatment, there are specific regional recommendations. Ask your doctor, pharmacist or health visitor which product is currently recommended, even if you plan to buy the product yourself from the pharmacy.
Tips & treatments
- Discourage children from sharing combs and brushes.
- Tell the school if your child gets head lice so all the children in the class can be checked. This will help prevent your child catching them again.
- Wash your child's hair regularly and inspect for eggs and head lice each time, using a detector comb.
- Use the product that is currently recommended in your area.
- Follow the instructions carefully and repeat the treatment if necessary.
- When using head lice treatments it is essential to follow the instructions carefully.
- It is only necessary to treat the person with the head lice and not the whole family, but inspect everyone else's scalp for head lice or eggs.
- Combs and hairbrushes should be washed at the same time as your child's hair is treated.
- If your child is scratching his head more than usual, check for head lice by parting the hair across different areas of the scalp with the Boots Detector Comb.
- If head lice or nits are present, normal washing won't get rid of them.
Ask your pharmacist for a recommended lotion.
Full Marks Mousse kills head lice and their eggs quickly and conveniently. Simply put mousse on to dry hair, rub in and leave for 30 minutes. Then wash it out. There's no mess, no fuss and it has a pleasant smell. Full Marks Mousse contains phenothrin. You should always read the label before use.
Alternatively, aqueous treatments such as Full Marks Liquid or Derbac M Liquid are recommended for younger children and for those with asthma or eczema. Full Marks Liquid contains phenothrin. Always read the label. Derbac M Liquid contains malathion. Always read the label.
Another alternative is to use an electric device that will kill the head lice as you brush - try the Boots Electronic Head Lice Comb.
N.B. If your child still has head lice after a treatment, you may need to establish the cause of the infestation or call your GP.
Sources of help and information
A Summary of The Guidance by The Public Health Medicine Environmental Group
Treating Head Lice: Your guide to keeping your family free from head lice (PDF 563k)
Head Lice: a report for Consultants in Communicable Disease Control (CCDCs)
Spotting, Treating and Tracking Lice - Advice for parents (PDF 94k)