Health experts warned parents head lice rates are set to increase as the kids go back to school.
In an effort to stop the spread, the Irish Pharmacy Union has issued advice to families.
With one in 10 children suffering from the condition at some stage, contracting it is often unavoidable.
School-aged children are particularly susceptible, with infections most common among four to 12-year-olds.
IPU spokesman Tomas Conefrey said: “Identifying an infection early makes treating it far easier and prevents the spread of infection through the classroom or among a family. Our advice to parents is to check their children’s hair regularly, ideally once a week.”
Using a wet comb through wet hair, after children have showered or bathed, is the best time to check close to the scalp, behind the ears, around the nape of the neck, the top of the head and under the fringe.
As well as live lice, which crawl around the head, parents should also look out for nits, which are tiny eggs that may look like dandruff but cannot be flicked off the hair.
Mr Conefrey assured parents there’s no need to feel embarassed about head lice. He said: “While some may feel there is a stigma, it really is nothing to be embarrassed about.
If an infection is detected parents should seek advice as early as possible. There is a range of treatment options available.”
The IPU also advised hair should be treated only if live lice or unhatched eggs are present.
Products used to treat the condition do not prevent an infestation from occurring and should never be used “just in case”.
Parents should also inform the school when their child has head lice.
