Managing Head Lice

The frustration of discovering your child’s head crawling with unwelcome visitors is familiar to many parents.

Head lice is a very common problem, particularly in primary-age children – and although exasperating, it is easily treatable.

Contrary to popular belief, head lice don’t have a preference for clean hair – in fact, they don't care if hair is long, short, blonde, brown, washed this morning or last week. As long as they are warm, and have blood to drink, they are content.

“Discovering that you or your children have head lice can actually be quite traumatic,” says NitWits brand manager Danielle Roberts.  “However, it is an extremely common and easily treatable problem. Parents should never feel embarrassed or ashamed.”

If you suspect your child may be harbouring some unwanted guests, using the ‘conditioner and comb’ method every week is the best way to detect head lice early and minimise the problem:

• Comb any type of hair conditioner onto dry, brushed hair. This stuns the lice and makes it difficult for them to grip the hair or crawl around
• Now comb sections of the hair with a fine tooth, head lice comb
• Wipe the conditioner from the comb onto a paper towel or tissue
• Look on the tissue and on the comb for lice and eggs
• Repeat the combing for every part of the head at least four or five times
• If lice or eggs are found, the child's hair should be treated.

Head lice eggs are small – the size of a pinhead – and oval. A live egg will 'pop' when squashed between fingernails. Concentrate on the head – there is no evidence to suggest that you need to clean the house or classroom.

Only the pillowcase requires specific laundering – either wash it in hot water (at least 60 degrees centigrade) or dry it using a clothes dryer on the hot or warm setting. 

No treatment kills all of the eggs so apply the treatment twice, seven days apart. If you are using lotions, apply the product to dry hair. There is no need to treat the whole family, unless they also have head lice.

There is no product available that prevents head lice. Using the conditioner and comb method once a week will help you detect any head lice early and minimise the problem. Tying back long hair can help prevent the spread of head lice.

Combs with long, rounded stainless steel teeth positioned very close together have been shown to be the most effective; however, any head lice comb can be used.