The NHS estimates that 1 in 10 primary school children have head lice
It’s that time of year again. Your child is probably fully settled in school by now, and no doubt mixing with lots of different children and making lots of new friends.
According to the NHS, it is estimated that 1 in 10 primary school children have head lice at any given time, and the problem often worsens in the early autumn months. Head lice and nits can affect people of all ages but are most commonly found in children aged between four to 11.
They are spread by head-to-head contact and it can take a few weeks after infection before the itching begins. You should begin treating them as soon as the infestation is discovered and this can be done by wet combing or applying medicated lotions or sprays.
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And while scratching is the most obvious sign to look out for, there are other key signs in youngsters such as swollen neck glands and eye infections. Dr Stephanie Ooi, of leading private healthcare providers MyHealthcare Clinic, said: “Most parents dread the thought of head lice and nits infestations in their children, but they’re incredibly common.
“They can be thoroughly unpleasant experiences and there’s nothing you can do to prevent them, so the best thing you can do is keep a close eye out for the warning signs. Scratching is the most obvious sign, but other symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes in the neck and the eye infection known as pink eye.
“It’s also useful to be on alert for the little bugs themselves, which look like little brown sesame seeds, and their eggs, which can be yellow or brown in colour and are usually the size of a pinhead.”
Dr Ooi added: “The good news is head lice and nits are relatively easy to fight and you can treat them without needing to see your GP.
