Head lice are small parasitic insects that spend their entire life on their host. The human head louse has specifically adapted itself to live in the environment of human head hair, and under normal conditions cannot survive anywhere else.
What to look for:
The lice look dark in colour and are usually around the size of a sesame seed. Eggs are miniscule white flecks that can easily be mistaken for dandruff, but are very difficult to remove from the hair shaft. According to research, only 29% of infestations are identified by simple visual inspections, whereas "wet-combing" increases the chance of correctly identifying a case to 90%. This involves wetting the hair and scalp, applying a liberal amount of conditioner and then combing through the hair from the roots using a lice comb. If head lice are present they and the eggs will be visible on the comb. If your child is displaying any symptoms of head lice they should be thoroughly checked as soon as possible. Signs include:
Experts advise:
If you require more information, please speak to your local pharmacist.
