Eczema

We had our second baby in March, a daughter, so it's been awhile since I've managed to find time to write a new post.

Thought I'd restart by doing something short and sharp on eczema. Eczema is a type of chronic dermatitis that usually affects people with a family history of eczema, asthma and/or hayfever. The main signs include dry, red and itchy skin and it can vary in severity from mild redness or itching to weeping and infected blisters.

Eczema  is very common, especially in babies, but 50% of babies grow out of it by the time they are two years old, and 85% by the time they are five.

The main rules for looking after eczema are:

1. Moisturise

Keeping skin nice and moist helps to decrease itching and dryness. Moisturisers should be applied liberally at least twice a day, including after bathing. There are literally hundreds of different moisturisers available, but perfumed products should be avoided. Our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy can assist you in choosing the right one.

2. Avoid soap

Soap can be very drying on the skin so it is better to use specially formulated soap substitutes, available from Berwick Pharmacy. Try not to have the water too hot in the shower or bath as this can increase dryness and itchiness.

3. Medications if needed

The most common medication used to treat eczema are corticosteroid creams. These vary in potency, with some available from Berwick Pharmacy over-the-counter whilst others require a prescription from your doctor. Chat to our pharmacists to discuss your options.

Other medications such as oral antihistamines, other skin preparations or even immunosuppressants may also be useful. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor about these.

If the skin becomes infected (look for crusts which are often yellow and weeping of the area), see your doctor as your may need a course of antibiotics.

4. Avoid triggers

If you are able to identify triggers that make your eczema worse, it makes sense to avoid these. Some triggers include stress, cat and/or dog hair, overheating (either from showers or baths, ducted heating or electric blankets) or chemicals (wear gloves if handling chemicals or detergents). It's often better to wear cotton clothing and to try and limit clothes with synthetic fabrics or wool which can be scratchy against the skin.

5. Try to avoid scratching

This can be super difficult, but it may be useful to try and relieve itching by using cool compresses or covering the skin. Ensure you keep your nails short and you may even need to wear cotton gloves while you are sleeping.

So if you or someone in your family has eczema, pop into Berwick Pharmacy to speak to our pharmacists and pick up your free Self Care Card.

References and further reading

Eczema and Dermatitis Self Care Card, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, published February 2011

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published June 2012 (accessed online 4 July 2012)
Knowing Your Child's Eczema, Royal Children's Hospital website
Eczema Association of Australasia Inc website

Croup

Recently, lots of children that we know have been diagnosed with croup. They are all toddlers which is not surprising since croup is most common between children aged six months to three years old. One of my friends said that her two year old son said, "Mummy, I can't breathe," and it absolutely petrified her.

Croup is a relatively common respiratory infection which usually starts with a cold. It is usually caused by infection from a virus, but can also be due to a bacteria. Like colds, it is spread in droplets via sneezing or coughing or touching a surface which has been contaminated with the virus.

Croup is basically an inflammation of the airways which makes it difficult to breathe. The reason it affects children is that they have narrower airways than adults, so any further restrictions on these airways can be quite serious. It is more likely to occur when it is cold, particularly during the night. The symptoms are a barking cough, a hoarse voice, a noisy high-pitched sound when breathing (this is called stridor) and can progress to difficulty breathing.

In severe cases, croup can cause your child to stop breathing so you should see a doctor urgently if you are concerned (go to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital if it is after hours). Some symptoms which warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Difficulty swallowing.
• A sudden attack of coughing.
• Unusual noises while breathing. This can include stridor or a snoring sound when breathing out.
• If you notice a 'caving in' of the chest when trying to breathe in. 
• An increase in the rate of breathing or any difficulty breathing (especially if they stop breathing for more than ten seconds at a time).
• A bluish tinge to the lips or fingernails.
• A rapid heart rate.
• If your child is restless, anxious, sweating, abnormally drowsy and can't be woken, or has a high fever (38.5 degrees celcius or higher).

If the croup is mild and none of the above symptoms are displayed, ensure your child keeps well hydrated with frequent drinks, try and keep the room reasonably warm and offer lots of cuddles and reassurance to your child. You can also give paracetamol, but ensure you give the correct dose for your child's weight. Mild croup will usually go away on its own within 48 hours, but may last up to a week.

If the croup is more severe, your child may require medication. Croup is usually caused by a virus so giving antibiotics won't help the infection or the symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe a few doses of a corticosteroid such as dexamethasone or prednisolone, which will help reduce the swelling of the airways and make it easier to breathe. These can be given either in tablet or liquid form. If admitted to hospital, doctors may prescribe adrenaline which is breathed in via droplet form through a mask and nebuliser. This will also help with the breathing.

The best way to prevent croup is via good hygiene, but like colds and other infections, this is not easy and often even the cleanest children contract croup. Wash hands with soap and water regularly, and especially before preparing or eating food and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Discourage the sharing of cups and eating utensils. Cover mouths after coughing or sneezing. Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth. Keep children home from school or childcare if they are unwell.

Croup can be very scary, both for the child and the parents or carers. If you are at all worried or if your child has any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention from your family doctor or a hospital immediately. You are always welcome to give the pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy a call to discuss any concerns about your family's health.

References and further reading

• Croup Fact Sheet, NPS, published 4 May 2012 (accessed online 9 May 2012)
• Croup Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published February 2012 (accessed online 9 May 2012)

Preparing for Pregnancy

I'm in my early 30s so have lots of friends and family who are starting or expanding their families with babies. It's an exciting time in life and so lovely when we get to meet the bubs and watch them grow into little people. There are so many things to consider when having a child. I thought I'd focus on some of the things you can do to best medically prepare yourself and your body for pregnancy.

Firstly, it's a good idea to see your family doctor for a medical check-up. This is particularly important if you are taking any medications as they can cross the placenta into the baby. Some medications are safe, some should be used with caution and some should not be taken at all during pregnancy. By discussing your medications with your doctor before you start trying to become pregnant, you can weigh up the risks and perhaps even change to a medication known to be safe with plenty of time. Don't forget to mention over-the-counter medications and herbal or complementary medicines as these can also affect your baby.

You should also discuss immunisations with your doctor. If you are unsure about what immunisations you have had, you can organise blood tests to check your immunity status. It is important that you are fully immunised against chicken pox, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. If you require any 'live' vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella or chicken pox, you should wait one month before trying to become pregnant. It is also a good time for any other people who live with you to update their immunisations too as this will reduce the risk of these diseases being passed on to your baby.

It is recommended that women who are intending to become pregnant take 0.5mg of folic acid for one month before pregnancy and at least the first three months during pregnancy. Folic acid has been proven to reduce to risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Some women, such as those with a family history of spina bifida or cleft palate or are taking medication for epilepsy, are recommended to take higher doses. Once again, speak to your doctor.

Some women choose to take a multivitamin either before and/or during pregnancy. Discuss this with one of our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy as excess amounts of certain vitamins such as Vitamin A can actually be harmful to your baby.

Iodine is a mineral which helps with the development of the thyroid hormone. Iodine is found is most breads as well as eggs, meat, dairy and seafood. It is also in some pregnancy multivitamins. Women who are pregnant should switch to iodised salt (rather than uniodised salt) when cooking.

No completely safe level of alcohol consumption has been determined for pregnant women. Many women choose to abstain from alcohol completely and some will allow the occasional drink. Keep in mind that there is a higher risk if alcohol is consumed early in the pregnancy, including the time prior to the first missed period. Speak to your family doctor or obstetrician with any concerns.

If you are a smoker, it's the perfect time to quit. Smoking can increase your risk of miscarriage and stillbirth and babies of mothers who smoke are at a higher risk of low birth weight, being born prematurely and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy can discuss options with you to help you to quit.

It's wise to limit your caffeine intake if you are trying to become pregnant as there is evidence that it can decrease fertility. Don't forget that caffeine is also present in some soft drinks and energy drinks. Guarana, an ingredient also often in energy drinks, is not recommended during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant, you also need to be aware of the potential risk of Listeria and Salmonella infection. The risk of catching these bacteria is small, but it can be dangerous if it passes to your baby. Always practice good food handling hygiene and if you are eating reheated food such as leftovers, make sure it is piping hot. Avoid foods such as soft cheeses, cold cooked chicken or deli meats, whole egg, pate, soft serve ice-cream and raw seafood.

It's also worth having a dental check-up prior to becoming pregnant as generally, procedures such as x-rays aren't recommended during pregnancy. If you are planning on having your baby in a private hospital, you should also check your level of health insurance and make sure you are aware of any waiting periods.

So yes, there's lots to think about, but by doing some groundwork in advance, you're giving yourself, and your baby, the best start to life. Pop into Berwick Pharmacy anytime for advice on pregnancy or any other

health issues. We even sell home pregnancy tests for when the time comes.

Here's a cute cartoon I found...

References and further reading

• Immunisation and Pregnancy Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published July 2011 (accessed online 22 March 2012)
• Pregnancy and Drugs Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published March 2010 (accessed online 22 March 2012)
• Preparing for Pregnancy - Your Health Fact Sheet, Royal Women's Hospital, published January 2008 (accessed online 22 March 2012)
• Food Safety During Pregnancy Fact Sheet, Royal Women's Hospital, published January 2012 (accessed online 22 March 2012)

Epilepsy

March is Epilepsy Awareness Month in Australia, with March 26th 2012 being Purple Day, where people are encouraged to wear purple or have purple-themed events to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy.

Everyone knows about epilepsy, right? After all, it is a relatively common disease. It is recognised as the world's most common brain disorder. It is estimated in Victoria alone that approximately 4% of the population, or 220,000 people, will have epilepsy in their lifetime. When I read that figure, I must admit that it was larger than I would have guessed.

I suspect that many people's perception of epilepsy comes from what they have seen on television or in movies. i.e. someone falls to the ground twitching and jerking and frothing at the mouth. Quite dramatic. And while some people with epilepsy can have seizures like that, there are many, many more who don't.

A seizure, or 'fit' as it is commonly referred to, is a sudden, short burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizures can last from a few seconds to a few minutes and can cause changes in thoughts, feelings, behaviour or consciousness. Just because someone has a seizure, this does not mean they have epilepsy - it could just be a one-off. People with epilepsy have recurrent seizures.

Epilepsy can be caused by an injury to the brain, a stroke, an infection in the brain, a tumour, other conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease, or genetics. In about half of cases, however, the cause is unknown.

The type of seizure generally falls into one of two groups:

1. Partial or focal seizures - these start in one part of the brain and affect the part of the body controlled by that part. Usually these seizures only last a few minutes. They can either be a simple partial seizure (which can affect hearing, vision, taste, smell or muscle jerks, but the person remains conscious and remembers what happens) or a complex partial seizure (the person may appear vague or confused and show some strange behaviours such as smacking their lips repeatedly).
2. Generalised seizures - these affect most or all of the brain. They can either be absence seizures (where the person appears to have spaced out as if they are daydreaming and may then have some facial twitches) or tonic-clonic seizures (the person's entire body goes stiff before they experience uncontrollable muscle jerking and twitching. They may also have other signs such as drooling of the mouth, groaning and loss of bladder control). If these symptoms last more than five minutes, an ambulance should be called. There are also a few other types of generalised seizures, but these are the two main ones.

Different people may be aware of triggers which make it more likely for them to have a seizure. Common triggers include tiredness, alcohol, caffeine, stress, illegal drugs, menstrual periods, illness, fever, flickering lights or hunger. If you have epilepsy, it is wise to try and identify any triggers and avoid them if possible.

Medications have a very important role in controlling seizures in people with epilepsy. In fact, of people at risk of recurring seizures, more than 60% are likely to achieve complete seizure control with medication within a year.

There are many different medications which can be taken for seizures and often, people need to be on more than one to sufficiently control their seizures. The type or combination of medication chosen will be a joint decision between you and your doctor, but will often be influenced by factors such as the type of seizures, your age, other medications you may be taking and the risk of further seizures.


Just like any other medication, there are possible side effects. And like any other medication, if you find you are experiencing anything unusual, especially when medications are commenced or stopped or changes to your dose have been made, you should speak to your doctor and/or pharmacist. Often side effects are more likely to occur at the start of treatment and will subside after awhile, but sometimes, you may need to be changed to a different medication.


As a general rule, do not suddenly stop taking your medication for seizures. Abruptly stopping them can result in seizures or a medical emergency, as can missing doses. Usually, if your doctor wants to stop one of these medications, they will advise you on how to gradually wean it down to minimise any unwanted effects.


Everyone who takes any sort of medication should also be aware of the possibility of their medication interacting with another medication (including medicines you buy over-the-counter from your pharmacy) or even a herbal product or vitamin. It is always wise to keep a list of your medications with you and check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure anything new will not cause any problems.

Although many medications have generic brands which are available, in the case of epilepsy, it is advisable that patients stick to one brand of medication and do not swap. Due to the way antiepileptic drugs work, even the slightest variation in the amount of the drug taken appears to cause problems for some people with epilepsy, such as seizures or side effects. Our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy can help you make sure that you stick to the same brand.

Epilepsy is very common and can usually be managed with medication and awareness. If you or someone you know has epilepsy, try and identify and avoid triggers for seizures. Make sure you learn about the condition and what to do in case of a seizure. Be aware of your medications and how to take them and avoid abruptly stopping them as well as the potential for any interactions.


Our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy can help you find more information about your condition and the medications. Pop in for a free Self Care Card on epilepsy. We can advise on whether other medications or herbal products will interact with your seizure medication. We also sell medico-alert bracelets which can have your personal information as well as stating you have epilepsy to alert medical professionals in case you are unable to communicate with them.

References and further reading

• Epilepsy Self Care Card, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, published February 2011
• Epilepsy Australia website
• Purple Day website

Flu Season & Vaccination

Summer is now gone and as the days start to turn a bit cooler, it's time to remember that flu season is just round the corner.

Many people complain of catching 'the flu', but often what they are referring to is just the common cold. Colds tend to cause a mild fever, start with a runny nose and often only last a few days. By contrast, the symptoms of influenza are a high fever, muscle aches and general tiredness, sore throat, headache, chills and sweating. These symptoms can last a week or even longer.

In Australia, influenza on average causes 3,500 deaths, about 18,000 hospitalisations and 300,000 visits to the GP each year. It is thought that 10% of all sick days in workplaces are due to influenza.

The flu is caused by a highly contagious virus, usually spread by sneezes and coughs. The majority of people will recover from the flu relatively quickly, but for those people with an underlying medical condition or an impaired immune system, the flu can be very dangerous, and even fatal. These at-risk people are recommended to have the influenza vaccine every year and include:

• adults aged 65 years and older
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 15 years and older
• people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease (including severe asthmatics who require frequent visits to hospital), diabetes and some bleeding disorders
• pregnant women
• children on long-term aspirin therapy.

People who live with, work with or care for anyone in the above at-risk groups are also recommended to be vaccinated against influenza every year. These include people who work in health care or with children, or look after an elderly or chronically unwell person.

If you suspect you have the flu, there are antiviral medications which can be prescribed by your doctor, but these generally need to be started early in the illness (often within 48 hours). Other options for treatment are bed rest, paracetamol for fever, fluids and other medications to target your symptoms. Our pharmacists at Berwick Pharmacy can help advise you on which medications are best for you.

The best way to protect against the flu is an annual vaccine. The virus itself is constantly changing to try and avoid recognition by the body's immune system. The actual vaccine changes every year, depending on the most common strains found on the opposite side of the world in the previous season as these are the ones most likely to migrate to us this season. Immunisation should occur between March and May and protection develops within about two weeks and lasts a year.

I've heard many people say that the flu vaccine gave them the flu, but this is not the case. The vaccine itself does not contain the live virus. Like any medication though, some people may have some side effects to the vaccine. The most common ones are a mild fever, soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever or muscle aches, so sometimes these are mistaken for the flu itself. Placing a cold, wet cloth over the injection site or taking a dose of paracetamol will often help reduce these side effects. It's important to keep in mind that the vaccine only protects against the most common strains of the flu, so you may still catch a different strain.

Before receiving the vaccine, make sure that you tell your doctor or nurse if you or your child:

• is unwell (temperature over 38.5˚C)
• has had a serious reaction to any vaccine
• has had a severe allergy to anything
• has had an anaphylactic allergy to eggs – this is because the virus used in the vaccine is grown in eggs
• is under six months of age
• has had Guillain-Barre syndrome.

As it is now so well recognised that getting the flu vaccine is the best way to protect people, it is freely available. People 65 years and older and/or in the at-risk groups are entitled to free vaccines (check with your doctor or pharmacist), and many doctors' clinics will only charge for the vaccine itself, without any additional appointment fee.

So everyone should definitely consider getting the flu vaccine this year and every year. It's even available for children from the age of six months old. It's a small inconvenience to ensure that you are protected, but also to protect other people you may come in contact with.

The flu vaccine is now available at Berwick Pharmacy and we have made sure that we have heaps in stock to try and avoid people missing out.

Don't forget:

• influenza is a potentially serious disease and may even be fatal
• flu vaccine can save you time and money by preventing you from having to take days off work
• the flu vaccine does NOT cause the flu
• you may get side effects from the flu vaccine but these are generally minor.

If you have any concerns or questions or just need to fill your prescription for the flu vaccine or anything else, come and see us at Berwick Pharmacy where giving advice and friendly service is what we do best.

References and further reading

• Colds & Flu Self Care Card, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, published February 2011
• Flu (influenza) Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published July 2011 (accessed 10 March 2012)
• Flu (influenza) - immunisation Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published April 2011 (accessed 10 March 2012)
• Immunise Australia Program website
• Influenza Specialist Group website
• Key Facts about Influenza and Flu Vaccine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published October 4, 2011 (accessed 10 March 2012)

Dandruff

I was trying to find inspiration for this post by flicking through the newspaper and came across an article for Valentine's Day. The article interviewed random people about their turn-ons and turn-offs and although the majority of respondents discussed personality traits, one young woman mentioned dandruff as a turn-off.

As we probably all know from television ads for anti-dandruff shampoo, dandruff appears as white flakes on the scalp. It is very common and the flakes are simply excess dead skin cells which may have stuck together with oil from the hair and scalp, making them larger and more noticeable. It is not dangerous, not contagious and does not cause baldness.

Dandruff, or pityriasis capitis, affects about half the population and can occur at any age, although isn't usually seen in children. Some people find it is milder in the warmer weather and worse during the colder months. People also probably are more likely to notice it in Winter as we rug up in thick, dark coats and jackets which make the white flakes more noticeable. Dandruff is not confined to the scalp and can appear on the eyebrows, the beard, and the neck and shoulders.

It is thought that dandruff may be linked to an overgrowth of a fungus which lives on everyone's scalp. For some unknown reason, sometimes this fungus grows out of control and irritates the skin, causing dandruff.

Many people with dandruff have an itchy scalp, but other causes of an itchy scalp may include:

• Cradle cap - a crusting and flaking of the scalp seen in babies
• Psoriasis - a common skin condition which causes thick, silvery scales to form. More commonly affects elbows, knees and the trunk, but can affect the scalp too.
• Contact dermatitis - an inflammation of the skin possibly triggered by an allergy to a haircare product.
• Head lice - also known as nits. A contagious disease, more common in children, where lice feed, grow and breed on the scalp and hair (check out my last post from 31 January 2012  for more info on head lice).
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis -a red, itchy scaly scalp. Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Dandruff is generally treated with shampoos and regular washing of the hair. If the dandruff is mild, just a simple non-medicated shampoo may be all that is needed. In moderate cases, a medicated shampoo will probably be required. There are many brands and products which are available from Berwick Pharmacy without a prescription. Many contain ingredients such as zinc, selenium or tar. Some even contain antifungal agents for more severe cases. Have a chat to our pharmacists to see which product is best for you and for advice on how to use the product. Some shampoos need to be used daily and others perhaps only once a week.

In severe cases, a doctor may be able to prescribe something a little stronger to help clear up the dandruff, but one of our pharmacists can help you decide if this is necessary. Other signs that may mean you should see a doctor include patches of hair loss or a red, bleeding or painful scalp.

Some other hints that may help control and clear up dandruff include:

• Wash hair regularly. If you have an oily scalp, daily washing is best. Make sure you massage the scalp gently and rinse thoroughly to try and remove any loose flakes.
• It's better to wash hair after exercising rather than before as the sweat will make your head even oilier.
• Using a conditioner will help prevent your hair from drying out. Leave-in conditioners may have the added bonus of moisturising your scalp too.
• Minimise other haircare products, especially those which contain alcohol as it can dry out your skin.
• Some people find stress and a poor diet makes their dandruff worse. If this is the case, try and minimise your stress levels and eat healthily.

So if you do notice some white flakes in your hair or on your clothes, don't panic. As mentioned, dandruff affects about one in two people and is usually easily managed with a simple trip into Berwick Pharmacy. We have plenty of products which can help, plus our pharmacists are always on hand with free and friendly advice.

References and further reading

• Dandruff and Itching Scalp Fact Sheet - Better Health Channel, published August 2011 (accessed 13 February 2012)
• Dandruff Self Care Card, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, published August 2008
• A-Z of Skin: Dandruff, Australasian College of Dermatologists, published March 2001

Head lice and nits

It's been a long time between posts, but with school going back, I thought my first topic for 2012 should be head lice. Ugh, my head gets itchy just thinking about it. I still remember being back in primary school and queueing up to see the "nit nurse", just hoping that I wouldn't be one of the unlucky few who were pulled to one side after nits were found in their hair. Luckily, I never had head lice as a child, but it appears to be much more common these days.

Head lice, or nits, are small, wingless insects that live, breed and feed on the human scalp. They can resemble dandruff and can be found either on the scalp or the hair itself. Although people tend to think of itchy scalps when they think of head lice, about half the people who have head lice never scratch their head. Other signs to look for are the eggs which are generally at the base of the strand of hair and are difficult to dislodge, or moving lice on the scalp or hair. The lice themselves are usually about 2-3 mm long and can range in colour from greyish-white to reddish-brown. Some people also get sores on their scalp from the itchy bites which may become infected.

Because the lice do not have wings, they cannot jump or fly from one person to the next. They spread by head-to-head contact, such as hugs or close playing. If you know someone with head lice, it's important to also notify people who may have had head-to-head contact with them so they can also be checked.

The best way to check for head lice is to use the wet combing method.

1. Apply hair conditioner (any type or brand) to either wet or dry hair, covering the entire length and detangle with a regular hair comb. The conditioner makes it difficult for the lice to cling to the hair or crawl.
2. Divide hair into 3-4 cm sections and use a fine-toothed lice comb (available from Berwick Pharmacy) to slowly and carefully comb the hair all the way from the scalp to the ends.
3. After each stroke, wipe the comb onto a paper towel until clean. Check the paper towel for any lice or eggs.
4. Comb each section of hair through at least twice before thoroughly rinsing the hair.

You can also use the above wet combing method to treat head lice, but it needs to be done every second day for at least ten days in a row after lice or eggs are found. There is no need to treat head lice unless lice or eggs are actually found. If multiple members of your family are found to have head lice, make sure you treat everyone at the same time to prevent reinfection amongst each other.

Berwick Pharmacy carries a wide range of products to treat head lice. They range from shampoos and conditioners to lotions, sprays and mousses. We also stock herbal products to treat head lice. All head lice treatments must be applied to all parts of the hair in order to kill the lice and must be used twice, seven days apart. This ensures that not only the lice, but any eggs, are also killed. It is very important to read and follow the directions carefully as they can differ between products and correct use means a much higher chance of effective treatment. Do not shampoo the hair before using the treatment. Afterwards, hair should be dried with a towel as the heat from a hairdryer can prevent the product from working effectively. Special care should be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under two years old or have any open scalp wounds, allergies or asthma. Speak to our pharmacists who can advise on which product is best for you and your family.

Resistance to head lice treatments is unfortunately becoming more common so sometimes you may need to try a different product to ensure the hair is rid of lice. Once the treatment is complete, use the wet combing method the following day to ensure the lice are dead. If not, it is likely that the lice are resistant to that product and the active ingredient in it, so speak to your pharmacist about finding an alternative.

If your child has head lice, you should advise the school as well as any close contacts so they can be checked and treated. Children can return to school after their first treatment, but don't forget that they will still require a second treatment one week later.

In addition to treating the hair, towels, sheets, pillow cases and headwear such as scarves and hats should also be washed in hot water (at least 60 degrees celcius) or dried in a clothes dryer for at least 15 minutes. Combs and brushes should be placed in hot water (again, at least 60 degrees) for at least five minutes after combing through hair with head lice. Items such as bicycle helmets which cannot be washed should be placed in a sealed plastic bag for at least two weeks.

Advice to prevent catching head lice includes keeping long hair tied back and not sharing hats, brushes or combs. It is still relatively common though so some parents find it useful to check their children's hair every week using the wet comb method in order to catch it early.

Make sure you drop into Berwick Pharmacy to speak to our pharmacists if someone in your family has head lice. We can show you our wide range of head lice treatments and help you decide which one is best for you. We also have free Self Care Cards which you can take home with lots of useful information. Our staff would love to help you get rid of this common, but frustrating condition as quickly and easily as possible.

Here's a cute cartoon I found online...

References and further reading

• Head lice (nits) - treatment and control Fact Sheet, Better Health Channel, published August 2011 (accessed 31 January 2012)
• Head Lice Self Care Card, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, published April 2011

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website