Head lice are very common in primary school aged children, anyone can get them. They are spread through head to head contact, they cannot jump or fly.

Over the counter head lice treatments are fantastic and I would recommend using them, however they usually only kill the live lice. The eggs otherwise known as nits remain glued to the hair shaft. This is why it is so important to be persistent in the combing of your child’s hair. Using a head lice comb, run through all of the hair in small sections, then wipe the comb onto a paper towel, you may see lice or nits.

Don’t forget that one treatment is not usually enough to eradicate head lice. Treating 7 days after the first treatment is the best practice to kill any of the eggs that may have hatched after the first treatment. Check the package of the product

Lice can only live off the human body for 1-2 days. Washing your child’s recently worn clothes, towels and bedding on a hot setting is recommended. Please wash any combs and hair clips you used while getting rid of the lice in boiling water.

To prevent head lice you can brush your child’s hair in the morning and the evening, tie your child’s hair back if it is long, and remind your child not to share hats, combs or hairbands. Checking your child’s hair for lice or nits especially around the ears and both the front and back hairline regularly is a good habit to get in to.

If you are having ongoing issues with head lice, feel free to contact me when I am at Longford Primary School on alternate Wednesdays/Fridays on 6391 1252 or you can email me at chanelle.mccormack@education.tas.gov.au