Vigilance on headlice urged by IPU

September 15 2007;  Irish Medical News
http://www.irishmedicalnews.ie/articles.asp?Category=news&ArticleID=19431

The IPU says it is estimated that one in 10 children suffer from head lice at any one time, with head lice becoming more challenging the longer infestations go undetected. According to pharmacists, head lice prevention can be accomplished easily through routine screening at home, early detection and thorough manual removal of all lice and nits.

“It is always best to be safe and seek advice from a pharmacist or other healthcare professional,” said Ms Liz Hoctor, a pharmacist based in Killucan, Co Westmeath, and IPU Vice-President. Pharmacists say treating head lice involves the use of lotions and sprays, and they advise that some are alcohol-based, which people should be aware of, especially if their child suffers from asthma or other allergies.