Is it only children who catch head lice?

No. Head lice can affect any age (so long as the lice have some hair to cling to!).

Can I catch head lice from my pet?

No. Head lice can only live and feed on humans so they cannot be caught from, or passed to, any animals.

How are head lice caught?

Head lice walk from one head to another during close prolonged head to head contact. They cannot jump, swim or fly.

What is the best way to detect head lice?

Regular detection combing can detect head lice early on in an infection. This should not only be carried out on a routine, regular basis but also in response to any ‘contact tracing’ that identifies a risk of infection.

Do head lice prefer dirty or clean hair?

Neither. Head lice do not have a preference for the cleanliness of the hair they live in, however a regular washing and detection combing routine can help to identify head louse infections more quickly.

Why do head lice cause itching?

There are a number of reasons for itching – one is that some people just itch at the thought or mention of head lice. Some people will, however have a reaction to the saliva that the louse injects when they feed from the scalp. The resulting itching can take weeks to develop and will not occur in everyone.

Itching does not mean that there is a head louse infection, and no itching does not mean that there isn’t one!

What are nits?

Nits are the white empty egg shells left behind when the baby louse has hatched out and moved on. They are glued to the hairs and can be difficult to remove – using a ‘nit comb’ or gripping the egg shell between fingernails / tweezers may help.

Will shampooing remove head lice?

No. Normal shampooing will not have an effect on head lice.

What if I have asthma, eczema or sensitive skin?

There are a number of products suitable for people with asthma, eczema or sensitive skin. Speak to your pharmacist, nurse or doctor for advice. Full Marks Solution, Full Marks Liquid and Derbac M are all suitable products to use.

How can I stop my children from getting head lice?

You can’t. But with regular detection combing you can identify an infection early and treat it quickly.

Do I need to tell anyone if I find a head lice infection?

It is a good idea to carry out ‘contact tracing’ if you find a head louse infection. You may find it necessary to tell close relatives, friends and the school about an infection.

Can I catch head lice from hats, bedding or towels?

This is very unlikely. The only recognised way an infection is passed is through prolonged head-to-head contact. If a head louse is away from a human head it will quickly dehydrate and die – lice that are found away from the head are very unlikely to be able to cause a new infection, even if they are still alive.

Do you only catch head lice in school?

No. School is often associated with head lice because it is here that children will often work and play closely together with lots of head-to-head contact. However head lice infections can be caught anywhere and from anyone.

How quickly could I catch head lice after a successful treatment?

Immediately. Getting rid of one lot of head lice does not mean that more of them won’t infect the head – that is why contact tracing is so important to follow to reduce the chances of re-infection.

Why is there no nit nurse any more?

The ‘nit nurse’ is no longer used in the majority of schools. The reason for this is that the ‘nit nurse’ was not able to have much of an impact on the control of head louse infections. Typically the ‘nit nurse’ would have seen an individual child for only a few minutes on only a small number occasions; to effectively control head louse infections children’s heads need to be checked on a much more regular basis and so the responsibility to check through the head now, appropriately, lies with the parent/guardian.

Why are there so many types of products to treat head lice?

There are a number of different ways to treat head lice infections to meet different individual needs. Some products will kill the head lice; others will help to remove them. Some products are suitable for sensitive skin, asthma and eczema. Some products have shorter application times.

To find a product that is suitable for you contact your pharmacist, nurse or doctor for advice. To view the products section click here.