HOW TO OUTWIT THE NITS

When a child is spotted scratching their head, it often puts teachers and parents on high alert.

As yet another school year resumes, the unwanted problem of nits once again arises.

Headlice continues to be a taboo subject that many parents feel embarrassed to talk about, but according to Pharmacy Guild of Australia, statistics show that more than 20 per cent of primary school students are likely to have nits.

Many schools have already released warnings to parents, urging them to treat their child’s hair before returning to school.

Pharmacists insist nits are not a result of a lack of hygiene, but rather an easy pest to catch when heads are close together in spaces such as a classroom.

President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, George Tambassis, says the issue is only worsened by attempting to treat them with old-age methods that don’t work.

He says there are now chemical-based treatments available at most pharmacies, as well as a number of treatments which are based on essential oils such as anise, rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil.

“The wide variety of active ingredients available is due to the fact that head lice are very adaptable and can develop resistance to some chemicals.”

“For this reason it is important to talk to your community pharmacist about which is the
right product for you or your child,” Mr Tambassis says.

It is important to use a product that works and doesn’t cause a reaction.

And don’t forget to use a fine toothcomb.

Another good tip – if you’re child is off sick, use the time to treat their hair to keep the pesky lice at bay.