Numark advises: beware nits when returning to school

With parents around the country preparing for 'back to school', pharmacists are gearing up for the inevitable consequence of the new school term - dealing with headlice.

The main sales period for head lice prevention and treatment is in September and Numark, the UK's largest virtual chain of independent pharmacists, saw a 17% increase in the sales of nit preparations in September and October 2003 compared to the rest of the year.

Each female louse lays about eight eggs a night, each one glued to the base of a single hair next to the scalp. Once hatched, the young louse will shed its skin three times over the next ten days, at which time it reaches sexual maturity. The egg case it leaves behind after hatching turns white very quickly and is called a 'nit'. Lice feed by sucking blood, which they must do twice each day or they will die.

Mimi Lau, professional services controller at Numark, said: "Lice can only walk from person to person along strands of hair. They can't jump, hop, fly or swim, nor can they be blown by a strong wind from person to person. Being submerged in water does not kill them and, contrary to popular opinion, they hate dirty hair, preferring instead clean short hair."

Treating headlice infestation is relatively easy as there are many effective treatments available, though children under six months should always see their GP. Mimi said: "Shampoos tend not to be as effective as lotions as the amount of insecticide they contain is usually lower than the lotions (after they have been diluted with water during washing), and they are not in contact with the hair for as long a period. Whichever product you use, follow the directions on the packaging very carefully.

"Lotions are made with either water or alcohol. Aqueous lotions do not smell as much and will not affect asthmatics or people with eczema. Alcoholic lotions should not be used in people suffering from either condition. If you are in any doubt as to which product to use, ask your pharmacist for advice."

Numark's tips for using head lice products:

• Ensure you cover the whole of the scalp
• Avoid getting the products into eyes as it will sting
• If using a lotion, apply to dry unwashed hair
• Leave the product to dry naturally DO NOT use a hair dryer
• Do not wash the hair again for at least 12 hours after applying the product
• Use a fine tooth comb to remove dead lice and eggs after using your chosen product

Treatments for headlice are available over the counter in Numark pharmacies and the pharmacist will be able to advise on the most appropriate product. Products are often rotated around to ensure limited opportunities within a community of the parasite becoming immune to any one remedy.

Numark also offers a tea tree shampoo and conditioner. Tea tree, a natural antiseptic, has proven effective at preventing head lice.