Back-to-school means back to head lice! Here’s how to successfully tackle them
As children head back into schools, parents are being warned to stay vigilant against head lice, with new figures suggesting cases are on the rise
You might be celebrating the end of the summer holidays childcare slog and happily waving your kids back to school, but it's not just children going through those school gates but a host of unwanted bugs too, including the dreaded head lice. And it's no surprise that, with so many kids back in the classroom together after a break, September is when head lice cases peak.
Superdrug has already reported a 21.2% increase in sales of head lice treatment spray, signalling a seasonal spike in infestations. And a new survey from Vosene Kids haircare reveals that head lice remain a widespread issue – and not just for children. Almost half of parents (41%) said their child has had head lice, while nearly a quarter (23%) admitted they or their partner had caught them from their child.
Why parents keep lice a secret
Perhaps most worrying, according to the survey, the majority of parents (68%) said they have, or would, keep a head lice outbreak in their household a secret – with embarrassment and fear of judgement being the main reasons.
“Despite head lice being so common, there is still a significant element of judgement and embarrassment, which should not be the case," explains GP and Vosene Kids spokesperson Dr Chris George. "Secrecy around reporting infestations could lead to a delay in treatment and allow increased time for transmission.”
Some parents (44%) admitted embarrassment was their main reason for staying quiet, while more than 1 in 5 (22%) said they wouldn’t tell anyone so they didn’t have to miss out on social plans.
Parents find treating head lice stressful
The survey also revealed how stressful parents find dealing with lice.
83% of parents said the thought of an infestation makes them feel stressed.
Only 26% found treatment worked first time.
More than half (54%) said it took multiple attempts, while 11% reported that lice returned even after treatment.
Dr Chris’s back-to-school lice advice
With September marking Head Lice Prevention Month, Dr Chris is urging parents to take proactive steps to protect children as they return to school.
How to help prevent head lice
Avoid head-to-head contact during play and social activities.
Don’t share brushes, hats, headphones or towels.
Tie long hair back to minimise risk.
Check for lice and nits regularly, especially during school outbreaks.
Use children’s shampoos or sprays with natural repellents like tea tree oil or eucalyptus to help deter lice. While 80% of parents say they would use a preventative product, less than half (42%) actually do.
Signs your child might have head lice
Itching and scratching, especially around the scalp, neck and ears.
Red bumps or irritation on the scalp.
Trouble sleeping (lice are more active at night).
The best way to check is by using a fine-toothed comb on wet hair, ideally after a bath or shower.
What to do if your child has lice
Start treatment as soon as you spot lice – no need to see a GP.
Children don’t need to stay off school, but avoid sleepovers and close-contact activities until clear.
Try wet combing with conditioner on days 1, 5, 9 and 13, with a follow-up check on day 17.
Medicated lotions or sprays can be used, but often require repeat applications after 7 days, alongside daily combing.
Dr Chris stresses that prevention is often overlooked but could make a big difference: “Using a daily head lice preventing product can be a simple and proactive step against head lice, particularly during back-to-school outbreaks.”
With cases on the rise, experts say the best way to keep infestations under control is openness, regular checks – and acting fast when lice appear.