advertising feature
By
Rebecca Fancini
Nearly
half (47%) of parents and grandparents don’t know what a head
louse looks like according to a new survey launched today by Lyclear
Creme Rinse (1) to mark the start of the school
summer term.
This
lack of recognition could be a serious issue since experts believe
that misdiagnosis and late detection of head lice could be linked
to their continued spread throughout the UK. (2)
When
shown four insect photographs, a third of those who were confident
they knew what a head louse looks like were unable to identify it.
16% incorrectly selected wood lice, 23% incorrectly selected nits
(the empty egg cases left behind by the head louse) and 12% incorrectly
chose mosquitoes.
In addition
over half (54%) believed that head lice (the insects) and nits (the
empty egg cases) were the same thing. This may be an important finding
since experts believe that treatments should only be used if a living
moving louse (insect) is found – not just a nit.2
Other results reveal a distinct lack of understanding about the infection:
• 3 in 5 people (62%) believe head lice jump from person to
person
• Nearly a quarter (23%) believe that head lice can fly from
person to person
• 1 in 5 people (21%) believe head lice only live in dirty hair
• Nearly two thirds of parents and grandparents believe that
head lice can be transmitted through sofa backs, chairs and even head
rests
Old-fashioned
myths and exaggerated fears about head louse infections are still
common. Experts believe these misunderstandings can cause unnecessary
worry and may be preventing parents from treating the condition quickly
and effectively.2
In reaction
to the survey, The Lice Advisory Bureau (LAB) has launched a brand
new range of stunning microscopy photography of head lice - alongside
educational leaflets, a website (www.headliceadvice.net) and a telephone
helpline (Liceline 020 7617 0817) to educate consumers and bust the
myths surrounding the common condition.
The survey
also revealed that two fifths of people claimed to have never experienced
a head louse infection in their lifetime.
Dr
Robert Aston, consultant and author of National Guidance on Managing
Head Lice: “The public can become confused and alarmed about
head lice. This needn’t be the case. These insects are a nuisance
but they’re not dangerous and can be treated quickly and effectively
with chemical treatments you can buy at the pharmacy.
“It
is important the public understand how to identify head lice and how
they can be treated. If people need any help at any stage they can
ask their pharmacist, GP or nurse.”
Further
information on the treatment and management of head lice is available
by logging onto www.headliceadvice.net.
The treatment guidance on the site has been adapted from peer reviewed
evidence-based guidelines, published in the Journal Of Family Healthcare
and endorsed by the Faculty of Public Health Medicine and the Amalgamated
School Nurses Association.2
References:
(1) Research carried out by Kember Associates during March 2003 in
face-to-face interviews. A mix of 504 parents and grandparents with
children aged 18 and under were interviewed.
(2) Aston R, et al. Head lice: evidence-based guidelines based on
the Stafford Report. Journal of Family Healthcare 2002; 12: No 5 supplement
Photographs
from top of page:
Louse Green Claw
Louse
Red Claw
Louse Body Purple
Louse tail to front green
Photography
developed in association with Surrey University and Garry Hunter and
is
Copyright of the Lice Advisory Bureau
