How serious is the head lice problem?

The NSW Health Nitbusters program has found that more than 23 per cent of primary school aged children tested in New South Wales have head lice.

Head lice is the most commonly reported health complaint from parents and teachers to schools.

It also appears to be on the increase, and this increase is due probably to factors, such as:

• resistance to the common chemicals used in many head lice products
• inappropriate use of the treatments
• changing social and school practices.

While head lice are not known to carry disease, they do disturb parents and children. The social stigma often handed out to kids with head lice can affect their ability to learn and their comfort in the classroom. The outrage often felt by many parents who are at their wits end with ineffective treatments can also lead to some very desperate measures. Busy families can often be misled by inaccurate and often outrageous claims made by some products.

The Nitbusters Program addresses treatment issues and teaches participants how to handle the problem in a community setting.