By YASEMIN TALAT
HEAD lice remedies are on the top of the priority list as parents prepare for the new school year.
Medibank has reported a rise in calls to the Medibank 24/7 Health Advice Line, and there have been higher Google search stats and questions on online forums showing that parents are concerned about head lice and are starting to take precautions.
Medibank Medical Director Dr Ian Boyd said anyone could get head lice, but it was most common in children aged between four and 11 years old and girls were more likely to get them than boys.
“Head lice can be found in all types and lengths of hair,” Dr Boyd said.
“Everyone should know that having head lice is not a sign that your hair is dirty.”
Dr Boyd said head lice were not a social-economic or class problems and it did not relate to how clean the child’s hair was.
“The best way to prevent head lice spreading is to check your whole family regularly, keep long hair tied back or in plaits, and don’t share brushes, combs, or pillows,” Dr Boyd said.
“Parents can prepare their kids for school by investing in some hair ties, a fine toothcomb and conditioner,” he said.
Keilor mother Marijana Mandir said she liked to take extra care of her daughter Amelie’s long hair to prevent her from getting head lice.
“I have a solution of Teatree oil and water that I spray into her hair in the mornings before she goes to school,” Ms Mandir said.
“And I like to make sure her hair is neat and tied up,” she said.
“But I guess it’s just part of being a kid.”
