Head lice and nits
Overview
Head lice and nits are very common in young children and their families. They are not caused by dirty hair and are picked up by head-to-head contact.
Symptoms
Head lice can make your head feel itchy. The only way to be sure someone has head lice is by finding live lice. You can do this by combing their hair with a special fine-toothed comb (detection comb). You can buy these online or at pharmacies.
Causes
Spread by head-to-head contact. Not a sign of dirty hair.
Treatment
Some treatments are not recommended because they're unlikely to work. For example: products containing permethrinhead lice "repellents"electric combs for head liceplant oil treatments, such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil and lavender oil herbal remedies
Prevention
There's nothing you can do to prevent head lice. You can help stop them spreading by wet combing regularly, using a detection comb, to catch them early. Do not use medicated lotions and sprays to prevent head lice. They can irritate the scalp.
When to see a doctor
GP not usually needed. Pharmacist can advise.