Head Lice in Children

Head lice in children … just reading the word makes many parents cringe. But here’s the truth: head lice are extremely common, especially in young children who attend preschool or school. And no — they are not a sign of poor hygiene.

How common is it?

• Most cases occur in children 3–11 years old.
• Lice spread easily in group settings — close play, shared items, or simply heads touching.

What are the symptoms?

• Intense itching of the scalp (especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck)
• Tiny white eggs (nits) stuck to the hair shaft
• Redness or scratch marks on the scalp
• You may occasionally see an adult louse, but they move fast — nits are easier to spot.

How do we treat it?

✔️ Special medicated lotions or shampoos designed to kill lice (follow instructions carefully!)
✔️ Repeat treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched lice
✔️ Wet-combing with a fine-tooth lice comb
✔️ Check all close contacts, including siblings
✔️ Wash bedding, hats, and hair accessories, but there is no need to deep-clean the entire house — lice survive only 24–48 hours off the scalp.

A comforting note for parents
Head lice happen to any child, even in the cleanest homes. It’s not your fault — just a normal part of childhood and school life. With the right treatment, it resolves quickly and completely.

Yours,
Dr Aleksandra 🦋

Dr Aleksandra Gajecka
Pediatrician in Malta

• Treatment of sick children
• Protective baby and childhood vaccinations
• Health check-ups
• Care for the development of healthy children
• Counseling in children’s physical and mental development
• Online consultations regarding the possibilities of effective diagnostics
• Preliminary diagnostics and referring patients to specialists for in-depth diagnostics
• Issuing documents and certificates needed for nurseries, schools and educational institutions