UK Parents Urged to Prepare for Head Lice Surge in September

As children in the UK prepare to return to school, parents are being warned of a significant increase in head lice cases next month. Healthcare retailer Superdrug has reported a remarkable 21.2% rise in sales of head lice treatment sprays in recent weeks, coinciding with the end of the summer holiday. This seasonal surge is expected as children gather in classrooms and social settings, creating ideal conditions for the spread of these pests.

Understanding the Head Lice Threat

Head lice infestations can occur at any time of the year, but the back-to-school period is particularly notorious for outbreaks. The National Pediculosis Association (NPA) recognizes September as National Head Lice Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of awareness and prevention. According to Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, “Back to school doesn’t have to mean back to head lice.” She has provided essential advice for parents to help prevent and treat outbreaks as the new school year begins.

Head lice are tiny insects that live in human hair, laying their eggs close to the scalp. The empty egg cases, known as nits, can often be found attached to hair strands. While anyone can be affected, children aged four to twelve are particularly susceptible. The warmer months, when children tend to play outdoors more frequently, increase the likelihood of transmission.

The primary symptoms of a head lice infestation include:

– Itching, which is often the first noticeable sign
– A tickling sensation or feeling of something crawling in the hair
– Red bumps or sores on the scalp, neck, or behind the ears
– Visible lice, which are small and move quickly
– Nits, which appear as tiny, whitish or yellow spots that cling to hair shafts

Preventing and Treating Head Lice

To mitigate the risk of head lice, it is crucial for parents to regularly inspect their children’s hair. If lice are detected, prompt treatment is necessary. McMillan advises that treatment should only begin after confirming the presence of lice. Parents should avoid sharing personal items such as hats, combs, and hairbrushes and should tie back long hair to reduce contact.

Effective treatment options include the wet combing method, which involves using a fine-toothed comb on wet hair to remove lice. This technique should be done carefully, wiping the comb after each stroke to check for lice. Alternatively, over-the-counter lice treatments can be applied, usually requiring a two-minute application before washing out.

McMillan highlights the importance of consulting a pharmacist if initial treatments do not work. Pharmacists can recommend suitable products and guide parents on proper usage. The NHS lists several products that can effectively eliminate head lice, including:

– Dimeticone 4% lotion or spray, applied and left for eight hours (usually overnight)
– Dimeticone 4% spray gel, applied and left for 15 minutes
– Mineral oil and dimeticone spray, applied and left for 15 minutes
– Isopropyl myristate and cyclomethicone solution, applied and left for 5-10 minutes

Certain treatments require a second application seven days later to eliminate any lice that may have recently hatched. Following treatment, parents are advised to check for live lice two to three days post-treatment and again after one week to ensure successful eradication.

As the school term approaches, awareness and proactive measures are essential for parents to prevent head lice outbreaks in their households. With the right precautions, families can navigate the back-to-school season with confidence.