Overview

• The retailer reports a 21.2% jump in head lice treatment spray sales in recent weeks, signalling a likely rise as schools reopen in September.
• NHS guidance lists licensed options including dimeticone 4% lotion or spray left for eight hours, 4% spray gel or mineral oil/dimeticone left for 15 minutes, and isopropyl myristate/cyclomethicone left for 5–10 minutes.
• Some treatments require a second application after seven days, with detection combing two to three days post-treatment and again at day seven to confirm clearance.
• Prevention advice includes regular head checks, avoiding shared hats, combs or brushes, and tying back long hair, with wet-combing recommended for detection and removal.
• Head lice are most common in children aged four to twelve, and September is recognised by the National Pediculosis Association as Head Lice Prevention Month.