What are the symptoms of head lice?
The main symptoms of head lice and nits include:
- Itching on the scalp
- Feeling of something moving in the hair
- Red spots or sores on the scalp caused by scratching
- Finding lice or nits in the hair
What causes head lice?
Head lice are spread through close contact with someone who has lice. They can also spread through sharing items like combs, hats, or pillows. Head lice cannot jump or fly; they crawl from hair to hair.
How common are head lice?
Head lice are very common, especially among children aged 5 to 11 years old. It is estimated that millions of children in the UK get head lice each year.
Who is more likely to get head lice?
People who are more likely to get head lice include:
- Children who spend time close together, like at school or sleepovers
- People in households with a current lice infestation
- Children who have long hair, as it provides more space for lice to cling to
How can I treat head lice?
Head lice can be treated with special shampoos or lotions that kill the lice. You will also need to comb the hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove the nits.
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How to prevent head lice?
To help prevent getting head lice, consider these tips:
- Avoid sharing personal items like hats or hairbrushes
- Encourage children to avoid head-to-head contact during play
- Check hair regularly for lice or nits
How to live with head lice?
Living with head lice can be frustrating, but it is important to follow treatment plans. Make sure to check everyone in the household and treat them as needed. Keeping hair tied back can also help limit spreading.
How quickly can I recover from head lice?
With appropriate treatment, lice should be gone in a few days. However, it may take a bit longer to remove all nits from the hair.
What’s the outlook for head lice and nits?
Head lice, while annoying, are not harmful to health. With the right treatment, they can be completely removed, and most people recover fully without complications.
Final thoughts
Head lice and nits can be bothersome, but they can be treated effectively. If you have concerns about head lice, speak to your GP or a healthcare provider for help.
