Headlice affects parents too

New survey finds headlice affects parents more than they would admit

This new school term, it’s not just uniform lists, afterschool club coordination and getting to grips with new homework apps that will leave parents scratching their heads, but headlice too.

41% of UK parents said their children have had headlice and almost a quarter (23%) of parents revealed that they have caught headlice from their child, according to a new survey commissioned by Vosene Kids haircare. It’s no wonder that 83% of parents find the thought of a lice infestation stressful when it can affect the whole household.

“The survey highlights how common the problem of headlice is not just for children but also for parents and that headlice tend to be more prevalent during back-to-school periods which is often when children are in closer contact making transmission easier,” explains Dr Chris George, GP and Vosene Kids spokesperson. “The most alarming fact is that the majority of parents (68%) have or would keep a headlice outbreak in their household a secret. Despite headlice being so common there is a significant element of judgement and embarrassment which should not be the case.”

44% of parents claim that feeling embarrassed or concerned about judgement is the reason they would keep an outbreak a secret. Worryingly more than one in five (22%) of parents say they’d stay silent so they didn’t miss out on a social engagement – at which the little critters would have chance to mingle.

The survey shines a light on how challenging headlice can be to treat with only a quarter of parents finding that headlice treatment worked first time, 54% finding it took more than one attempt and 11% saying that treatment worked initially but the headlice came back.

Despite this, prevention remains an underused option. Dr Chris explains: “Headlice is a very common problem and whilst 80% of parents say they would use a preventative shampoo or spray only 42% do in reality. This suggests that children are not being treated and the issue of headlice is not being managed as effectively as it could be.”

“Using a daily headlice preventing product can be a simple and proactive step against headlice. The natural repellents such as tea tree oil or eucalyptus can help deter headlice. Using these products can help reduce the risk of an infestation especially during outbreaks at school.”