Head lice
This webpage provides information on head lice infestations, how to reduce the spread of head lice and treatments available within the school community.
Head lice and nits
Head lice are small adult winged insects that live, breed and feed on the human scalp. They do not carry or transmit bacterial or viral diseases. Head lice can cause itching and discomfort and are a common occurrence, especially in primary schools.
Nits refer to the eggs/pupa stage of the head lice life cycle.
Anyone, regardless of age, sex or how clean their hair is can catch head lice. Head lice move from one person’s head to another via direct contact with the hair.
Signs and symptoms
- itching on the scalp, neck and ears
- sores on scalp, neck and ears caused by scratching
- head lice on scalp
- nits on hair shafts.
Reducing the spread of head lice
As head lice infestations are common in primary school, it is important to help reduce the spread where possible. This can be achieved by:
- regularly checking your children's hair for any lice and nits
- teaching older children to check their hair regularly for lice and nits
- tie back and braid your child's hair if it is long
- keep a metal fine tooth comb at home (available in most pharmacies) and encourage family members to use it when they wash their hair
Current advice from NSW Health states that children who have head lice should still be sent to school.
Parents/carers will be contacted by the school when infestations of head lice occur, including a request that they undertake head lice and nit treatment for their child at home.
Treatments at home and at school
There are two main methods to remove head lice.
- Mechanical removal - this involves using a fine-toothed, metal lice comb and conditioner
- Chemical removal - this involves using a chemical treatment and a fine-toothed, metal lice comb
To find out more about mechanical and chemical head lice removal and how to do it at home, please visit the .
Nitbusters program
The Nitbusters program, available in schools, aims at identifying and managing head lice infestations. ‘Nitbuster days’ are coordinated by parent volunteers, who use a fine tooth comb and white hair conditioner to both identify and treat head lice.
To get involved in a Nitbuster day, please contact your child's school.
To find out more about the Nitbuster program, please visit the .
Forms for schools
Further information
For further information and resources about head lice, please visit the .