Head lice (pediculosis)

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They’re very common in school-aged children, spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact, and — importantly — are NOT a sign of poor hygiene and are NOT spread by pets. The main symptom is an itchy scalp, though itching can take weeks to start, so many infestations are found by spotting live lice or eggs (nits) glued near the base of the hair. A live, moving louse is what confirms it; nits alone (often confused with dandruff) don’t mean an active infestation. Lice are a nuisance, not a danger, and are very treatable.

Self-care products available in our shop

• Dimeticone (NYDA) — non-insecticidal; coats and suffocates lice; resistance unlikely
• Isopropyl myristate/cyclomethicone (Resultz) — dissolves the louse’s outer shell
• Permethrin 1% (Nix, Kwellada-P) — the long-standing insecticidal cream rinse
• Pyrethrins/piperonyl butoxide (R&C) — natural pyrethroid shampoo
• Fine-tooth nit combs — essential for removing nits after treatment
• Key points: repeat the treatment in 7–10 days (no product reliably kills all eggs), comb out nits after treating, check and treat household members who are also infested, and wash recently used bedding/clothing in hot water (≥50°C). No-nit school exclusion policies aren’t recommended — a treated child can return to class the next day.

When to seek further care: See a health-care provider if treatment has failed after two properly applied courses (possible resistance), the scalp shows signs of infection (spreading redness, pustules, swollen neck glands), or lice are found in the eyelashes or eyebrows.