Get a headstart on nits – three cheap and easy ways to treat head lice

YOU may be itching for the kids to head back to school – but not if they come back scratching.

Parents everywhere dread the thought of head lice and treatments can be pricey, with sprays and products coming in at around £8 a bottle.

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Here are some ways to keep head lice at bay[/caption]

Here are some ways to keep the critters at bay without spending a fortune . . . 

FIRST SIGHT: Check for lice if you see your child scratching their head more than normal.

As soon as you spot head lice, take action.

The most cost-effective way to remove lice and their eggs is with a special, fine-toothed comb.

Superdrug’s own-brand comb is £2.06.

It should be used on wet hair, working in sections to cover the whole head.

Apply extra conditioner to make it more comfortable for your child.

Remove lice or eggs from the comb after each stroke.

The NHS recommends repeating the process for a second time.

Wet comb on days one, five, nine and 13 to catch newly hatched head lice.

CHECK EVERYONE: If they are discovered, everyone in the household should be checked and treated.

But you do not need to hot wash bedding or items such as hats, as lice will not come off the head unless they are dying.

PREVENTION: Prevention is always better than cure.

If your child has long hair, tie it up so that there are no loose strands, to make it more difficult for lice to transfer.

The NHS does not recommend head lice repellents.

These products can also be pricey, at around £7 a bottle, and they may not work.

However, some sources claim that scents including lavender, tea tree, peppermint and eucalyptus can deter lice.

If you already have these essential oils at home, you could try adding a couple of drops to a spray bottle filled with water.

The cost of making up the solution is minimal, and spritzing your child each day before they go to school will not see you out of pocket.

• All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

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