A doctor has revealed the lesser-known red flags of a head lice infestation as schools prepare for outbreaks.The tiny critters are a common fear for parents, with primary-age children traditionally most affected by outbreaks in their hair.
And while scratching is the most obvious sign to look out for, there are other key signs in youngsters such as swollen neck glands and eye infections. Dr Stephanie Ooi, of leading private healthcare providers MyHealthcare Clinic, said: “Most parents dread the thought of head lice and nits infestations in their children, but they’re incredibly common.
“They can be thoroughly unpleasant experiences and there’s nothing you can do to prevent them, so the best thing you can do is keep a close eye out for the warning signs. Scratching is the most obvious sign, but other symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes in the neck and the eye infection known as pink eye.
“It’s also useful to be on alert for the little bugs themselves, which look like little brown sesame seeds, and their eggs, which can be yellow or brown in colour and are usually the size of a pinhead.”
Head lice and nits can affect people of all ages but are most commonly found in children aged between four to 11. They are spread by head-to-head contact and it can take a few weeks after infection before the itching begins.
You should begin treating them as soon as the infestation is discovered and this can be done by wet combing or applying medicated lotions or sprays. Dr Ooi added: “The good news is head lice and nits are relatively easy to fight and you can treat them without needing to see your GP.
“Wet combing with a special fine-toothed comb is an effective way to get rid of the little critters and these can be bought in pharmacies or online. This should be done every four days to make sure any newly hatched lice are dealt with and one final check should be made around two weeks after the first discovery.
“Another option is asking your pharmacist about medicated lotions or sprays, and this should kill them within a day.”
MyHealthcare Clinic is a doctor-led healthcare business providing personalised private medical, dental and specialist medical care all under one roof.
