Nursery World - A Unique Child: Health - A doctor's diary ... head lice

'Doctor! My children have got head lice, again. I need help!'

Many parents and teachers despair of head lice and nits. Around three million people per year in the UK will catch head lice, known medically as pediculosis capitis.

It is commonplace for lice to circulate among schoolchildren, only to find that once a child has been treated, more lice then appear. Adults can get head lice, but they are far more common in children who come into contact with each other during play. It is not unusal for children to be teased about their lice and it is important to remember that infestation is not a reflection of personal hygiene.

LIFE CYCLE

To combat head lice effectively, it is helpful to understand what they are and their lifecycle. In essence, head lice are insects that grow to around 3mm in length. It's a common misconception that lice can fly or jump; in fact, they spread through direct contact allowing lice to be transferred from one person to another. In addition, given that lice can survive for a few days away from the host's head, they may be transferred by sharing hats and hairbrushes.

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