A head louse is a tiny insect that clings to the hair and sucks blood from the scalp causing itching and irritation. Parents not only worry about their children catching head lice, but also about the treatment! Conventional treatments contain neurotoxins including the groups of insecticides known as pyrethroids and organophosphates. There has been recent concern over the potential long term harm to the nervous system, particularly in young children. Herbal preparations seem an attractive alternative, offering protection without the side effects. However, there has been very little research to confirm this.

Extracts from the Neem Tree may offer a more reliable alternative. This year Dr Mary Tatner and Mari Dudgeon of the University of Glasgow investigated the prevalence of head lice in school children, and the effectiveness of Neem Seed extract in treating lice. School nurses examined the heads of 581 children in 6 Glasgow schools, and found that more than 1 in 20 children had head lice. The researchers then tested Neem Seed extract in the laboratory and found that it was effective in ridding Head Lice in just 22 hours. This means that parents using a shampoo containing Neem Seed extract are likely to see a result within a day.

Myth:  Only children with dirty hair get head lice.
The Truth:  Head lice prefer clean hair – anyone can get head lice.
 
Myth:  Head lice fly from person to person.
The Truth: Head lice don’t have wings and can’t fly. They walk from head to head when heads are touching.
 
Myth:  Using a shampoo can prevent head lice.
The Truth:  Shampoos and lotions will not stop your child from getting head lice. The best prevention and detection methods are regular fine tooth combing.
 
Myth:  The first sign of head lice is an itchy scalp.
The Truth:  Only about one in five people with head lice suffer with an itchy scalp. Regularly checking the scalp is the best way to see if your child has head lice. You may also notice the eggs of headlice, known as nits, which are white and glued to the hair.

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