Financial pressures and a desire for women to further their career have meant that more children than ever before are attending day care. Day care cost incentives from the government have contributed to Australia having one of the highest numbers of day care centres per capita in the world.

Our changing social structure has sometimes unintended consequences when it comes to communicable diseases. This probably explains why the incidence of head lice in Australia is one of the highest in the world. Fortunately head lice do not carry any serious disease, so apart from the fact that it is abhorrent to most parents, there is no need to panic. It is very important, however, to carry out a standardised procedure which will eradicate and prevent further infestation. Here are a few further tips for frustrated parents;

Screen daily while there is an outbreak

While Quit Nits products are great for killing lice and help preventing re-infestation, nothing is more beneficial than early detection. Read the Quit Nits Combing solution directions for an effective screening method.

Machine wash pillow cases, soft hats, exposed clothING etc

Although much less likely than head to head contact, dislodged lice can find their way back to a host given the opportunity, especially if the louse was dislodged within the last 2 hours

Vacuum anything that can’t be washed

Vacuuming chairs, mattresses and soft toys is more effective and far safer than spraying them with pesticides.

Vacuuming rather than bagging

Some professionals recommended placing soft toys, hats etc in plastic bags. Although this can be effective vacuuming is far more effective and remember, a young child is already traumatised by the experience, losing a favourite cuddle toy or blanket when they need them the most only adds to the trauma.

Don’t treat if you can’t see live lice

Children may scratch their heads for all sorts of reasons; an itchy scalp is not necessarily head lice. Remember that some head lice treatments contain aggressive chemicals that may be the cause itching.

Prevent new outbreaks

Try to be community minded and advise schools, child care centres and neighbourhood parents that you have discovered lice. Early warning will dramatically reduce the chance of an epidemic

Advise others to exercise caution in selecting products

The inappropriate use of head lice products has caused resistant strain mutations in lice. Only ever use products specifically intended for head lice and always follow the directions exactly.