How Common Are Head Lice in the UK?

Head lice are a common health concern that affects children and can be very irritating for the rest of the family. There are several different treatments available to treat an infestation. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence says that anywhere from four to 22 per cent of schoolchildren in the UK are affected by head lice. It is most common among children aged four to 11 years, but head lice can also affect people of all ages.

There are a few natural remedies you can use to treat head lice. Wet combing works much better than dry combing, as head lice can’t move as easily when they’re wet. You should also check the rest of your family to make sure that no one else has head lice and then treat everyone at once.

While head lice are not life-threatening, some people can develop severe symptoms after coming into contact with the creatures. In some cases, the lice may remain unnoticed for several months or even more. In the worst cases, children may have a thousand lice on their head. Head lice are extremely embarrassing for children and their parents. They may not tell their school or friends about their condition, making the entire situation all the more frustrating.

Head lice treatments vary depending on the type of lice. Some are chemical, while others are natural and are available over the counter. The most common treatment is an insecticide that can kill the lice. You need to use the insecticide treatment for at least two weeks before you notice any results.