Head lice are unsightly and upsetting for children especially at back to scholl time when they meet up with friends after the summer break or even start in a new school. Thankfully our pharmacists are on hand to help treat the problem.
Information on Head Lice
A head Louse is a tiny parasitic insect that can attach to a person’s hair shaft. It feeds on extremely small amounts of blood drawn from the scalp. Head Lice are not dangerous and do not spread disease though they can cause infection through scratching. It is more common to see nits (lice eggs) on children’s hair – especially those aged 3 to 12 years.
Signs & Symptoms
Lice – tiny reddish brown insects on the hair shaft
Nits – tiny oval specks of grey or off white on the hair shaft
Severe itching of the scalp
Small red bumps on the scalp
A rash on the scalp – crusting or oozing in severe cases
Swollen lymph glands in the neck
Action & Treatment
Take immediate action on discovery. Your pharmacist will recommend a medicated treatment to kill head lice. Follow instruction carefully.
Take added precautions around the house
check other family members for head lice or nits
wash clothing and beadlinen in very hot water and dry thoroughly on hot cycle
vacuum carpets and furniture & upholstery fabrics (including in car)
discard or disinfect hair care items and accessories
Seek medical advice if your child
is constantly scratching his or her scalp
complains of itches that don’t go away
has scratched his or her scalp to point of redness, swelling or oozing
Prevention is better than cure
Do not share combs, brushes, hair accessories or hats with other children
Avoid head to head contact with other children
Do not use bedding, pillows, cushions or lie on carpets or furniture recently used by an infected person
The team of Specialists at your local Life Pharmacy can offer you advice on a host of issues concerning parents at ‘back to school’ time including nutrition as problem skin as well as offering health screening for manageable conditions like diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and weight management. All Life pharmacies are equipped with comfortable private consultation rooms. See our store finder on this site for local details.
