What are head lice?
Head lice are small insects that live on the scalp and feed on small amounts of blood. Their eggs, commonly called nits, attach firmly to individual hairs close to the scalp.
CHILDREN'S PHARMACY SUPPORT
Head Lice & Nits Treatment
Head lice are common, particularly among school-aged children, and can spread easily through close contact. Our pharmacy team can help identify head lice, explain treatment options and provide practical advice to help prevent them coming back.
Understanding head lice
Know what to look for
Head lice are tiny insects that live close to the scalp. They are common in children and can spread through close head-to-head contact. Knowing the signs can help you act early.
How do they spread?
Head lice are mainly spread through close head-to-head contact. This is one reason they are particularly common among children who spend time together at school, childcare or during play.
What are the signs?
Signs can include an itchy scalp, a crawling or tickling sensation in the hair, or visible lice and nits. Some children may have few or no symptoms, so checking the hair carefully can be helpful.
Why treat head lice?
Treating an active infestation can reduce discomfort, help limit the spread to other people and reduce the chance of the problem continuing within the household.
Signs to check
Could your child have head lice?
Itching is common, but not every child with head lice will notice symptoms. If you are concerned, a careful examination of the hair and scalp can help identify whether lice or nits are present.
Itchy scalp
Your child is scratching their scalp more often than usual.
Crawling or tickling sensation
They may describe feeling something moving or crawling through
their hair.
Visible lice
Small moving insects may be seen close to the scalp or hair roots.
Nits attached to the hair
Eggs can appear as tiny structures firmly attached to individual hairs.
Why treatment matters
Take control of the problem
Head lice are not usually associated with serious illness, but dealing with them promptly can make life more comfortable and help reduce further spread.
01
Reduce itching
Suitable treatment can help address an active infestation and reduce the irritation associated with head lice.
02
Limit spreading
Prompt action and sensible household measures can help reduce the chance of head lice being passed between close contacts.
03
Prevent reinfestation
Following treatment instructions carefully and checking close contacts can help reduce the risk of the problem returning.
Pharmacy support
How our pharmacy team can help
You do not have to work out the treatment process alone. Our pharmacy team can provide practical advice and help you choose appropriate next steps.
01
Check for head lice
We can discuss the signs you have noticed and help determine whether head lice are likely to be present.
02
Recommend treatment
We can explain suitable treatment options and how they should be used according to the product instructions.
03
Explain wet combing
We can explain practical combing techniques that may be used as part of a head lice management routine.
04
Help prevent reinfestation
We can provide guidance about checking close contacts and following the treatment routine carefully.
Household guidance
Head lice can affect more than one person
When one person has head lice, checking close household contacts and following treatment instructions carefully can help reduce the chance of the infestation continuing.
- Check close household and close-contact members where appropriate.
- Follow the treatment product instructions carefully.
- Use wet combing if recommended by your pharmacist or treatment guidance.
- Complete any repeat treatment recommended for the product being used.
- Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure whether someone else needs treatment.
Before your visit
Is this service suitable for my family?
Pharmacy head lice services can vary depending on the age of the person affected, the symptoms present and the services available at your pharmacy.
A pharmacist can ask a few questions and explain whether pharmacy
support is appropriate. If another healthcare service is more
suitable, we will guide you towards the next step.
Simple and supportive
What to expect
Getting advice about head lice should be straightforward. Our team can help you understand what to do and how to use treatment correctly.
1
Speak with our pharmacist
Tell us what you have noticed and who may be affected.
2
Discuss the signs
We will help you understand whether the symptoms and findings are consistent with head lice.
3
Choose suitable treatment
We will explain appropriate treatment options and how to use them.
4
Prevent it coming back
We will explain useful steps for checking close contacts and reducing the chance of reinfestation.
Service information
What does head lice treatment cost?
The cost of a pharmacy consultation or treatment can vary depending on your pharmacy, location, treatment selected and any applicable healthcare arrangements.
Our pharmacy team will explain any applicable costs before proceeding, so you know what to expect.
Think your child may have head lice?
Speak with our pharmacy team for practical advice on identifying head lice, choosing suitable treatment and reducing the chance of reinfestation.