Your GP surgery isn’t the place to go for head lice treatment – that’s the message from a local GP ahead of next week’s National Bug Busting Day (31 January).

Dr Christopher Browning, a local GP said “Head lice are tiny wingless insects which live on the head and in the hair and are particularly common among children of school age.

“Often an infestation of head lice does not cause any symptoms, however when it does the main symptom is itchiness to the scalp and the back of the neck.

“Head lice can sometimes be difficult to treat due to their high infestation rate and their increasing resistance to traditional insecticides contained in some medications.

“Because of this increased resistance, going to a GP for a prescription for insecticides is not the best course of action – the best methods for treatment are by wet combing or using over the counter lotion from your pharmacy.

Wet combing involves:

• Using a fine-tooth, lice comb bought from your pharmacist
• Thoroughly wetting your hair
• Using a conditioner so that lice cannot grip the hair shaft and hang on
• Repeating the process twice weekly until no live lice are found (this may take 2 – 3 weeks)

“The wet combing method doesn’t require any medicated products meaning you are not using any unnecessary chemicals; it’s also the cheapest form of treatment.

“Alternatively, an over the counter lotion or spray can be used, however, no medication is 100% effective. Your local pharmacist will be happy to advise on the best method of treatment.

“Having head lice isn’t a sign of dirty hair and having long or thick hair doesn’t make you more prone to an infestation. The best way to prevent head lice spreading is to regularly check your whole family’s heads and to treat them as soon as possible.

“And don’t forget to let your child’s school know if they have head lice – that way the school can discreetly alert parents so they can be vigilant and prevent them spreading.

“If in doubt, ask your pharmacist for advice.”