A warning has been issued by a General Practitioner regarding the expected surge in head lice cases among children as they head back to school for the new term. Health professionals are advising parents to be vigilant as statistics from the NHS indicate that approximately 1 in 10 children in primary education could be affected by head lice at any given time, with a significant increase usually observed in early autumn. It is noted by experts that there is typically a 30% rise in head lice cases every September as students return to school following the summer break.
Dr. Alexis Missick, a General Practitioner from UK Meds, emphasized the concern parents may have about head lice during the back-to-school period, highlighting that late summer to early autumn is one of the peak seasons for head lice infestations. Symptoms to be mindful of include itching, sores from scratching, difficulty sleeping, and a sensation of something moving or itching in the hair. Dr. Missick also pointed out that head lice can be transmitted from child to child through direct contact or shared personal items like hairbrushes and hats.
Furthermore, Dr. Missick noted that head lice have shown resistance to over-the-counter medications. She recommended alternatives such as Hedrin and NitNots and suggested consulting a GP for further advice. To prevent head lice infestations, experts advise against sharing personal items, soaking combs and brushes in hot water, avoiding direct head-to-head contact, washing clothes and linens in hot water, and regular vacuuming.
Dani Knapp, a head lice specialist from Nitty Gritty, explained that head lice spread through direct head-to-head contact, making them prevalent among primary school-age children. With children now back in close contact at school after the summer break, such as sitting closely during activities, the transmission of head lice becomes easier. Knapp recommended parents to incorporate routine head lice checks into their weekly hair care regime, as not everyone experiences itching when head lice are present.
In conclusion, parents are being urged to stay vigilant for head lice infestations as children return to school, with experts providing guidance on prevention methods and treatment options to tackle this common issue among schoolchildren.