As children have headed back to school this autumn, it may be only a matter of time until head lice start doing the rounds.

With warm weather continuing into October, it's believed this season could bring an even greater threat than normal.

Here's everything you need to know about the parasite - and how to stop it spreading to your whole family.

Head lice can easily spread in a school environment

What are head lice?

Head lice are parasites that feed on the blood of humans.

Contrary to popular belief, they are not a sign of dirty or unwashed hair.

How do I know my child has it?

Lice are not microscopic and if your child has them, you can usually see them crawling around the hair.

Eggs can also be visible.

Outside of spotting the nasties yourself, you may notice your child has an itchy scalp, or they may mention feeling like something is crawling in their hair.

Can my child still attend school?

According to the NHS, it's not necessary to keep your child off school if they have head lice. However, some schools request that children stay home so as to prevent the spread to other children.

If you're unsure of the policy at your school, it's best to contact them directly.

How do I get rid of lice?


If lice are present, it is recommended to comb the hair for an hour to an hour-and-a-half daily or every other day for at least 14 days.


Medication is also an option.

Dimethicone is one such treatment and can be applied directly to the scalp.

It's found to be 70 to 97 per cent effective.


Although adult lice will die within two days without feeding on blood, it’s best not to take the risk of picking them back up again.

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