My daughter has come home from school with nits a couple of times recently. Does the fact she keeps picking them up mean that her hair must be dirty?
Justine, via email.

No, the appearance of nits, or head lice, has nothing to do with cleanliness or personal hygiene. In fact, the experts say head lice prefer clean hair.

 
Studies have found that over the past 15 years the incidence of itching and scratching caused by nits has increased, with as many as 75 per cent of kids between four and 12 years old affected in some schools.

To help prevent an outbreak in your family, wet-comb all of your children’s hair at least once a week. This may be a better way of detecting active head lice than visually checking your kids’ hair, according to a study published in the journal Archives Of Dermatology.

If you do find nits, you have two treatment options. First, comb your child’s dry hair every second day using conditioner and a nit comb until no live lice are found for 10 days. Second, use a head lice treatment once every two to three weeks until no live lice are found.

ASK DR JOHN FOR ADVICE
Write to What’s Up Doc?, New Idea, Private Bag 9960, North Sydney, NSW 2059, or email newidea@pacificmags.com.au.

This advice is general, without the benefit of a consultation. Always consult a doctor or healthcare professional. Listen to Dr John’s Health Matters on the radio each Sunday from 7am to 8am. Visit www.drjohndarcy.com to find your local station.