SO SHORT AND SWEET
Head lice have been causing pupils’ scalps to itch for decades – but “super lice” are proving much harder to treat.
GP Dr Paul Stillman explains: “Super lice are head lice that have become more resistant to ordinary chemical treatments.
“In the last few years many people in America have had lice t hat don’t r espond to conventional insecticides.
“We’re starting to see the same problem in the UK.”
Genetic mutation of lice across many states in the US has led to the insects developing resistance to over-the-counter treatments.
Studies showed a chemical in most products, pyrethroids, that was 100 per cent successful 15 years ago now only works 25 per cent of the time.
Chemicals still recommended by the NHS i nclude dimeticone – which coats lice in a film of silicone oil, preventing them from moving, feeding or excreting excess water.
Two treatments may be needed to kill off any eggs.
Dr Stillman says: “Head lice aren’t serious but can be distressing and do need treating.
“These days most schools do not ask parents to exclude their children – just treat them and let them back next day. Wet combing is a good way to confirm the diagnosis by exposing lice, but it does not always eliminate them.
“Treatments like Vamousse are effective on unhatched eggs as well as lice and only need to be used once.” The blame for increased resistance is being placed in part on people overusing products.
Most treatments should be used only twice – but worried parents often use overkill.
Others mistakenly use lice products on children with dandruff or glitter in their hair.
This overuse gives lice more chance to build a resistance.
If your child has had lice, experts suggest vacuuming places where hair may have fallen.
Also do a hot wash for bedding and pop stuffed animals and clothing into a tumble dryer for about 30 minutes.
Dr Stillman adds: “A common myth about lice is that they live in dirty hair. They have SWEET POTATO, TUNA AND SWEETCORN TORTILLA A fantastic quick and healthy lunch. Serves four and is ready in 15 minutes. INGREDIENTS: 1 sweet potato, peeled 1 tbsp olive oil 4 spring onions, trimmed and sliced 100g broccoli in small florets 1 (60g) can sweetcorn, drained 1 (120g) can no-drain tuna 75g Cheddar cheese, grated 6 large British Lion eggs Salt and freshly ground black pepper 150ml natural yogurt, 2 tsp mint sauce Grated carrot and cherry tomatoes to serve no preference over clean, dirty, short, long, dark or fair hair.
“All children can catch them by head-to-head contact.
“Lice cannot jump or fly, they have strong ‘ claws’ to grab passing hair, moving across heads in 30 seconds.
“Families are also a common area for them to spread.”
Lice aren’t the only bugs kids pick up when they head to school.
“It’s almost impossible for children to avoid picking up one of the many conditions that go round as soon as the new term starts,” says John Smith, Chief Executive of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain.
“While adults usually have between two to four coughs and colds a year, children can have up to ten because their immune system is still developing. “Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals and are well placed to offer parents advice on how to treat these when they strike.” METHOD: 1. Cut the potato into 2cm cubes, place in a microwave-proof dish with a spoonful of water. Cover with film, pierce and microwave on high for four minutes. 2. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick frying pan. Add the spring onions, broccoli and sweet potatoes and sauté for two minutes until soft. Stir in the sweetcorn and tuna. 3. Beat the eggs with seasoning. Pour over the veg and cook for three minutes. Sprinkle with the cheese and grill for two minutes. 4. Mix the yoghurt and mint together. Cut the tortilla into wedges and serve with the grated carrot and cherry tomato and a little of the yogurt sauce.