Who’s living in your hair?

What are head lice ? Small insects with six legs Size of a pin head or sesame seed

Where do they live ? They live on or very close to your scalp They do not wander far down your hair They only live on people- You can’t catch them from animals

Who gets head lice ? Anybody can get head lice Are common during school holidays as well as school term Most commonly spread from close family & friends- not from school Don’t care if hair is clean or dirty – and they don’t mind if hair is short or long

How do you catch head lice ? Move from one head to another- heads must be touching Lice can’t fly, swim or jump ! You don’t get lice from chair backs or hats

What happens if I catch them ? Head can feel very itchy- Some children do not feel itchy at all Two or more lice will increase slowly in number

What do I do if I’ve got head lice ? Wet comb for 15 minutes 3 times a week Special insecticide lotion may be used - You can help and advice from the School Nurse or the pharmacist

Don’t keep head lice a secret ! Tell your family, close friends and school friends so that they can check their own heads Remember- they only move when heads are close together and touching

THE END