Headlice

Treating head lice

Most modern head lice treatments work physically — coating and suffocating the lice rather than using traditional insecticides — which makes resistance less of an issue. Apply as directed, and because no product kills every egg first time, a repeat treatment after about seven days is usually needed to catch newly hatched lice. Regular wet-combing with a fine-tooth (detection) comb helps find and remove lice and check treatment has worked. Only treat people who actually have live lice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to treat twice?

Usually yes — most treatments advise a second application about seven days later to kill lice that hatch from surviving eggs.

Should the whole family be treated?

Only treat people who have live head lice. Check everyone in the household with a detection comb, and treat those who are affected.

How do I stop them coming back?

Check hair regularly with a detection comb, especially if there's an outbreak at school, and treat promptly when live lice are found.