Head Lice
Head lice are tiny insects that live in hair. Nits are the empty egg cases attached to hair that head lice hatch from.
Head lice are a common problem, particularly in school children aged 4-11.
They're largely harmless, but can live in the hair for a long time if not treated and can be irritating and frustrating to deal with.
The only method of detection and removal recommended by school is wet combing with conditioner and a comb designed to remove lice and damage remaining eggs.
The shampoos available contain many harsh chemicals, are expensive, and in many cases simply do not work as they only kill the active head lice. This means that eggs left behind later hatch and the cycle begins again.
Once a Week - TAKE A PEEK!
Please check your child's hair routinely to check for head lice/nits.
School highly recommends the Nitty Gritty comb and products for detection, removal and prevention. Read the Nitty Gritty Facts of Lice here.
We would also like to bring to your attention an important advisory notice received from the West Yorkshire Fire Service which concerns the use of chemical insecticide products: -
Please see advisory note below. If possible could you circulate to all schools in your areas.
‘We would like to remind parents and carers to always read and follow the instructions carefully when using chemical insecticide products, typically sold in chemists, to treat head lice. This is because these treatments contain flammable elements. You should not therefore use hair dryers, or any other ignition source such as matches, lighters and candles near anyone during the treatment process whilst the product is being used. This advisory note follows a recent incident in West Yorkshire in which a child’s hair was accidentally set alight during treatment resulting in the child sustaining serious injuries.’
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service