Head Lice (Nits): Signs, tips and treatments

Head lice infestations often present with several noticeable symptoms. here are the symptoms of head lice presented in bullet point format:

• itching - persistent itching on the scalp is a common symptom caused by the bites of the lice.

• red or irritated scalp - scratching due to lice bites can lead to redness and irritation on the scalp.

• visible lice and nits - adult lice and their eggs (nits) may be visible on the scalp, particularly around the hair shafts.

• sores and infections - intense scratching can cause sores on the scalp, which may become infected.

• crawling sensation - some individuals may feel a crawling sensation on the scalp as lice move through the hair.

It's important to note that not everyone with head lice experiences itching, so regular checks for lice and nits, especially in individuals with close contact, are advisable.

How to treat head lice?

Head lice can be treated at home and should be treated as soon as they have been detected.

The best way to treat them is wet combing with a specialist head lice detection comb:

• You need to do this every 4 days for 2 weeks to make sure you catch any recently hatched lice (some organisations would advise combing for 3 weeks to be 100% sure you’re clear of the critters!). 

• Wash the hair and then apply a generous amount of conditioner. 

• Leave the conditioner in as you brush the hair with a normal hairbrush to get out the knots and then use the head lice detection comb, combing from scalp to the end of the tips of the hair. 

• Check each brush stroke for head lice or nits (black tiny insects or white/brown eggs) and wipe or wash them off the comb if you see any.

• Do this for all sections of the hair. Wash out the conditioner then comb one more time through.

If after 2 - 3 weeks of wet combing there is still head lice detected then seek guidance from your pharmacy who can recommend certain lotions/sprays that can kill the head lice. Some of these need to be repeated or paired with combing to remove the dead lice/eggs.

Dry combing can be used to detect head lice in hair but not for treating them.

Head lice are contagious. They can be passed on through direct head to head contact (they cannot jump or fly) or are less commonly spread via sharing items that come in close contact to hair such as hats or hairbrushes. If someone in the household has head lice then all members of the household should be checked and treated if found to have them.

Can you prevent head lice?

There is no way to prevent getting head lice but tying up long hair can lower the chance of catching them and once caught combing with a specialist comb regularly will help stop the spread. As they do not live long away from hair, you do not need to wash bedding/sheets on a hot wash to get rid of them, like with bedbugs.

There are insecticide based products that work by poisoning and killing the lice, such as Full Marks lotion, Lyclear Cream Rinse. These can sometimes cause skin irritation and so may not be preferable to those with sensitive skin.

Other products such as Hedrin lotion, work by coating and drying out the lice, and is generally milder on the skin. There are a number of natural products that are also available.

If you have head lice, you are still fit for work. Children are also still able to go to school.

When should I see my doctor?

There is no need to see your doctor for head lice, this can be managed by you at home with a specialist comb or treatment from the pharmacy.