Head lice is very common in children. Ask your pharmacist for help finding an effective and safe treatment.
It’s a sight no parent likes to see: their child scratching their head more than usual—a sign of dreaded head lice.
And because head lice is transmitted by direct hair to hair contact, for example when hugging a friend you’ve missed, back to school season can be a peak time for head lice.
But don’t panic! There are ways to safely and easily treat it. And it might help to know that head lice do not transmit diseases and itching is the only health issue they cause.
Head lice don’t jump or fly, they don’t live on pets and they have nothing to do with poor hygiene or cleanliness. The most common way head lice spread is by head-to-head contact, which can happen while playing sports, at slumber parties or during playtime. Less commonly, head lice can be transmitted by sharing items such as hats, hair accessories or brushes.
First steps to take if your child comes home with head lice
If your child does come home with head lice, check other family members for signs of head lice and avoid hugging or other close contact. You may want to wash hats, pillowcases, bedding and other similar items, but it is not necessary to disinfect the rest of the house, as head lice cannot survive away from a human head for more than one day.
Don’t panic! There are ways to safely and easily treat head lice. And it might help to know that head lice do not transmit diseases and itching is the only health issue they cause.
Treatment should be started quickly, only on family members who have head lice or nits (eggs). Nits are oval shaped and firmly attached to the base of the hair. The nit produces a nymph, which is greyish-white and goes through three stages before becoming an adult. Adult head lice are tan-coloured and can be seen moving quickly along the hair or across the scalp. To get rid of lice for good, all three types must need to be eliminated.
Look for an effective treatment option, not a home remedy
It is not advised to use home remedies, such as mayonnaise or Vaseline. Various over-the-counter head lice treatment options are available. Look for one that is effective on both head lice and nits and is safe for children.
For example, it has been found that pesticides commonly used in treatment are becoming less effective, as head lice are becoming resistant to these compounds. NYDA® is a spray that penetrates deeply into the tiniest parts of the lice, larvae and also the nit’s breathing system, replacing the air. It does not contain any pesticide or any neurotoxic chemical. It kills lice and nits in just 58 seconds1.
So, if your child comes home with that dreaded itch, give their head a thorough check and ask your pharmacist for advice and help choosing the product that meets your needs.
Don’t panic if your child has head lice. Start treatment quickly and follow instructions carefully.
