The start of another school year can herald a number of worries for parents. For those with children aged 4 to 11, head lice can be an addition to such worries as it is most common within this age bracket. Head lice are parasitic, wingless insects with six legs and are about 1 to 3mm in length when fully grown.

Female lice typically lay eggs, referred to as nits; when lice hatch, they leave their nits attached to the hair and these are often mistaken for flakes of dry skin. Anyone who comes in close contact with someone who has head lice can get head lice; however, it is more common in children aged 4 to 11. It has been estimated that about 1 in 10 school children will get head lice. The main symptom for head lice is an itchy scalp or head; hence, head lice can be difficult to detect as there are not many symptoms.

The best method to use in preventing head lice is a regular check of the whole family's head and a quick treatment of any head lice found. Hair lice can be treated in a number of ways including wet combing and shampoos specifically tailored to eliminating head lice.