Mrs P has just received a letter from her children’s school to say there is an outbreak of head lice. “I don’t think that any of my children have got them yet, although I’m not sure what to look for. I want to know how I can stop my kids from getting them. Should I start using an anti-head lice lotion now? And do you think head lice repellent spray would do the trick?”

You ask how old the children are. “Lara is eight, Thomas is four and in reception at school, and baby William is four months. Oh, and Lara has asthma.”

QUESTIONS

1. What are the characteristic features of head lice infestation?
2. Should Mrs P start using a head lice elimination treatment immediately?
3. What head lice treatments are available?
4. Is the head lice repellent spray effective?
5. Are there any risks for patients with asthma in using head lice treatments?
6. Could a head lice treatment be used on baby William if necessary?
7. Is there any need to treat bedding or clothing that has been in contact with head lice?
8. What additional advice would you give in association with use of head lice treatments?