Headlice are small insects that live in the scalp. You know you have headlice when:
- Your scalp is itchy
- You find small amounts of black powder on your pillow, and
- You comb or brush out dead insects
Lice cannot jump, fly or swim, but they climb speedily from hair to hair. Anyone can get them as long as they are in head-to-head contact with an infected person for more than a minute. Headlice are not fussy about hair length or condition. Clean hair is no protection.
How to remain lice free
- Brush children’s and adult’s hair thoroughly from the roots at the end of every day. This will disturb, dislodge and damage any lice before they have a chance to get established
- Weekly detection combing when lice are suspected. This method - also known as wet combing - can be used to treat head lice if used weekly
- Prompt and adequate treatment when infection is found
- Inform people who have been in head-to-head contact with an infected person
For more advice ring the Headlice Helpline on the number on the right of this page.