Head lice

Head lice are tiny insect parasites that live on your head and feed on your scalp. Head lice are spread by head-to-head contact with another person who has head lice. This kind of contact includes doing group work, playing, or hugging.

Tips for preventing head lice

• Check your child’s hair regularly for head lice and eggs (‘nits’). Use a metal fine tooth ‘nit’ comb and plenty of hair conditioner applied to the dry hair, to make the task easier and more effective.
• Tie long hair back. Braid long hair and/or put it up if possible.
• Consider applying hair gel or mousse. These do not prevent or repel lice but may help to keep stray hair strands from contact with other heads.
• Avoid sharing combs or brushes.
• Remind your child to avoid head-to-head contact with other children, e.g. when working at the computer with others, or when hugging.

For more information visit http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Head-lice

Lousie Jonker
Community Health Nurse