For immediate release
Advice to Parents and Pharmacists on Head Lice
Pharmacist Daniel Brash comments, "It has been estimated that between 10% and 20% of UK children have head lice at any one time, according to a survey by Hedrin. As they're so common it's important that customers don't get embarrassed about them. As pharmacists are often the first port of call for advice, we need to educate parents to ensure that lice are detected early and the most appropriate treatment is used. students...
Some common issues involved in treating headlice include:
1. Resistance to insecticides
A study in the USA in 2016 has demonstrated that 98% of head lice are resistant to pyrethrins and permethrins* - the main ingredient of insecticidal OTC treatments
2. Lack of co-ordinated approach where members of a school class or group are treated while others are not, leading to a continual cycle of head lice
3. Incorrect application of treatment shampoos/lotions - insufficient quantity, not left on the hair for sufficiently long duration, or parts of hair/scalp not covered
4. Due to ongoing cost some parents fail to treat
Important tips to share with our customers:
1. Check your child's hair regularly for head lice - spotting them early means you can treat them more effectively
2. Treat as soon as you see any live lice, hopefully before they get the opportunity to lay eggs
3. If you detect lice, advise the school and friends so they can check if any contacts need treating
Options to treat
1. Insecticides - generally not recommended now since they encourage resistance
2. Non-pesticide lotions/shampoos such as Hedrin, Lyclear lotion, or Full Marks Solution. These are thought to be effective in 80-90% of cases.
3. Physical removal with combs - for example in the wet-combing technique alongside conditioner
4. Battery operated combs- The Robi comb, for example, has been around for a number of years, and as it is combed through the hair it passes a small current through the metal teeth which electrocutes the head lice painlessly.
5. A new innovation in the market is the electric Licetec V-Comb, which acts as a comb and vacuum to remove the lice AND eggs into a capture filter which is illuminated so you can see the results. The filter is then replaced hygienically, and the comb is ready for the next outbreak. It may have a higher initial outlay but it can be used over and over again. It even treats resistant lice, and is free from chemicals or allergens. It isn't painful or uncomfortable, and can be used daily as needed."
For trade enquries regarding the Licetec V-Comb, contact sales@healthcare4all.co.uk or 0113 350 5432
NOTES TO EDITORS
I*= Journal of Medical Entomology - published 31st March 2016
https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/53/3/653/2222496/Expansion-of-the-Knockdown-Resistance-Frequency
About Daniel Brash
Daniel Brash BPharm MRPharmS has been a practising as a pharmacist since 1995, and is a co-director of Pharmcare Ltd with a community pharmacy in Horsforth, Leeds.
ENDS