Head lice are a common but frustrating problem, especially among school-aged children. While they don’t pose serious health risks, they can cause itching, discomfort, and spread quickly if not treated correctly. Here’s how to identify, treat, and prevent head lice safely and effectively.
What Are Lice?
Lice are tiny grey or brown insects, about 2.5mm long, that cling to the hair—usually found on the scalp, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck. They feed on blood from the scalp, which causes itching and sometimes a rash.
Each female louse lays eggs, called nits, which hatch in about 7–8 days. The empty white shells remain attached to the hair shaft. Because hair grows about 1cm per month, the distance of nits from the scalp can indicate how long the infestation has been present.
Lice cannot fly or jump; they spread through close head-to-head contact. They survive for only about 24 hours without a host.
Preventing Re-Infestation
Good hygiene and consistent cleaning are essential to stop lice from returning.
Vacuum your child’s car seat and any areas where their head may rest.
Change pillowcases, sheets, pyjamas, and towels daily during treatment.
Wash items in hot water and dry them on a hot cycle where possible.
Seal non-washable items such as soft toys or hair bands in a plastic bag for two weeks.
Wash combs and brushes in hot water after each use.
How to Remove Nits
Once adult lice are treated, the next step is removing the nits.
Use a pharmacy-approved lice treatment shampoo or lotion to kill live lice.
Rinse hair with warm water and apply a leave-in conditioner to detangle.
Comb out nits using a fine-tooth lice comb, working section by section.
Wipe the comb after each pass to remove debris.
Repeat this process daily until all nits are gone.
Continue combing twice daily for 21 days to break the lice life cycle.
Safe Treatment Options
Pharmacy-recommended lice treatments are the most reliable and safe options. Look for products that contain ingredients such as permethrin or dimethicone, which are clinically proven to kill lice effectively. Always follow the directions on the product label carefully.
Caring for Your Comb
Your lice comb is one of your most important tools.
Soak the comb in boiling water for 10 minutes or clean it with disinfectant after each use.
Continue combing twice daily for two weeks after treatment to ensure all eggs are removed.
Final Tip
Consistency is key. Combining an effective lice treatment with daily combing and thorough cleaning of personal items will help ensure lice and their eggs are completely gone.
If you’re unsure which lice treatment is best, speak to the pharmacists at Link Hills Pharmacy. They can recommend safe, effective options for your family.
