Use a proper detection comb - with teeth no more than 0.3mm apart to trap head lice, and white in colour so they can easily be seen
If you find live lice, consult a pharmacist for treatment advice
If head lice are spotted, take a close look at all the family, including yourself, and ask close family and friends to check as well
TREAT
Only treat if live lice are identified
Use a clinically proven treatment, ideally with a physical mode of action to which lice are very unlikely to build up resistance (such as dimeticone or octanediol)
Leave the treatment on for the recommended time for maximum effect – leaving it on for longer will not make it more effective
COMPLETE
Check that all head lice have gone within 2-3 days of the final application to complete the treatment
If the pack instructions specify that a second application is required, repeat the treatment for a second time seven days after the first to kill any lice that may hatch from eggs during that time
Continue to check for head lice on a regular, weekly basis
Regular use of a leave-in conditioning spray, clinically proven to help protect against head lice infections, can prevent future outbreaks by killing lice before they have chance to spread