What are head lice & nits?
Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. Nits are the empty egg cases that head lice hatch from and which attach to hair.
Head lice are a common problem, especially in primary school children. They are mainly harmless, but if they are not treated they can be extremely irritating and distracting.
How do you get head lice?
Head lice climb from one person’s hair to another’s so there needs to be direct contact. They can’t fly, jump or swim and are rarely spread from hats, combs or pillows. Contrary to popular belief, they will live in any hair even if it is short and dirty and they can’t be caught from animals.
How do you get rid of head lice?
You can buy treatments from pharmacies, supermarkets and online.
The main treatments are:
- lotions or sprays that kill head lice
- removing head lice with a specially designed comb
Speak to a pharmacist about which treatment is best for you or your child and carefully follow the instructions that come with the treatment.
It is important to continue to check your childrens’ hair because no treatment guarantees a complete cure.
For more facts and information
- Ring the Bug Buster Help Line on 01908 561928
- Email bugbusters2k@yahoo.co.uk or
- Visit the official National Bug Busting Day website at www.chc.org
