School is back, and so are hair lice!

The back-to-school season is here! While kids are excited to reunite with their friends, there's one unwelcome guest that often sneaks into classrooms—head lice. 😱

These tiny insects don’t spread disease, but they are highly contagious and incredibly annoying. If you’re a parent, knowing how to prevent, spot, and treat lice early can save you (and your child) a lot of trouble.

At West Pymble Pharmacy, we care about your family’s health. Here’s everything you need to know about lice prevention and treatment to keep your kids lice-free this school season.

How do kids get lice?

Lice do not jump or fly—they crawl from one head to another through direct head-to-head contact. This makes schools, playgrounds, and sleepovers prime environments for lice to spread.

Kids can also get lice from sharing personal items such as:

✅ Hats, beanies, and hair accessories
✅ Combs and hairbrushes
✅ Pillows and bedding
✅ Headphones or headbands

Signs your child might have lice

Here’s what to look for:

✅ Constant head-scratching (especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck)
✅ Small red bumps or irritation on the scalp
✅ Tiny white eggs (nits) stuck to hair strands close to the scalp
✅ A tickling or crawling sensation in the hair

The sooner you spot the signs of lice, the easier it is to treat and prevent them from spreading.

How to prevent lice from spreading

Prevention is key! Follow these tips to reduce the risk of lice:

🔹 No sharing – Teach your child not to share combs, hats, hair ties, or headphones.
🔹 Regular scalp checks – Do a quick check every week, especially if there’s an outbreak at school.
🔹 Tie up long hair – Keeping hair in a ponytail, bun, or braid makes it harder for lice to transfer.
🔹 Use preventative sprays – Some leave-in conditioners with tea tree or eucalyptus oil help repel lice naturally.

The best ways to get rid of lice

Here’s how to treat them effectively:

🔹 Use a pharmacy-approved lice treatment – medicated lice shampoos or lotions are the best way to kill lice and their eggs. Ask our team at West Pymble Pharmacy for recommendations!
🔹 Comb them out – Use a fine-tooth lice comb to remove nits after treatment. Repeat daily for best results.
🔹 Wash everything! – Wash bedding, clothes, and anything that came in contact with your child’s head in hot water (60°C or higher) to kill any remaining lice or eggs.
🔹 Check the whole family – If one person has lice, others in the household should be checked too.

Final tip: Don’t stress!

Lice are common and can happen to anyone—it’s not a sign of poor hygiene. The key is to act quickly and follow the right treatment steps.

Need expert advice on the best lice treatments in West Pymble? Visit West Pymble Pharmacy today! Our friendly team is here to help you find the most effective lice solutions.

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