What should you know about head lice remedies?

A remedy may be a pharmacy treatment, a prescription option, or wet combing with conditioner and a fine comb. Home mixtures and essential oils can irritate the scalp and may not remove an infestation. Head lice spread mainly through close hair-to-hair contact; they are not a sign of poor hygiene. Night-time itching and an itchy scalp can also occur with eczema or irritation.

Confirm live lice before treating. For wet combing, dampen the hair, apply conditioner, divide it into small sections, and draw the comb from scalp to ends, wiping it after each pass. Repeat according to a regular schedule until no live lice are found. If using medicine, follow the label exactly and do not use more than directed. Check family members and close contacts, but treat only confirmed infestations.

Book a GP Consultation when repeated careful attempts have not cleared live lice, when the scalp has open sores or spreading redness, or when a young child or person with sensitive skin needs a suitable option. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty or swelling after a remedy.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, which remedy suits the person's age, and what to do if itching continues after live lice have gone.