Head Lice Treatment in Neath

Book a FREE NHS Head Lice Appointment at The Health Dispensary

Why wait to see the GP?

At The Health Dispensary in Neath, our pharmacist can diagnose and treat head lice quickly and effectively — often under the FREE NHS Common Ailment Scheme.

If you’re not eligible for NHS treatment, we also offer private OTC treatments (in person or online).

Book an appointment now

What Are Head Lice?

Head lice are small grey-brown insects, about the size of a sesame seed, that live on the scalp and feed on blood. They lay eggs (nits) that stick to hair strands and hatch in 7–10 days.

Common symptoms include:

  • Itchy scalp

  • A crawling feeling

  • Small white/yellow nits attached to hair

Itching or nits alone do not mean an active case — a live louse must be seen.

How to Check for Head Lice

The best way to check is using a fine-toothed detection comb on wet, conditioned hair:

  1. Wash and apply conditioner to the hair

  2. Detangle using a normal comb

  3. Use the fine-toothed comb from root to tip, checking after each stroke

  4. Repeat over all sections of hair

  5. Wipe comb on tissue and look closely for live lice

All close contacts should be checked and treated on the same day if lice are found.

Professional Treatment Options

We offer expert advice and a full range of treatment options, including:

1. Wet Combing 

  • Chemical-free and suitable for all ages

  • Must be repeated over several sessions

  • Proven in NHS clinical trials

2. Physical Insecticides (e.g. Hedrin® Once)

  • Kills lice and eggs

  • Easy to apply

  • Suitable for many ages

3. Chemical Insecticides (e.g. Derbac-M® Malathion)

  • Recommended if other treatments fail

  • Only available when resistance is not suspected

We’ll help you choose the best option based on your needs, past treatments and preferences.

Aftercare & Follow-Up

To confirm success, you’ll need to recheck with a detection comb after treatment. We’ll guide you on the best days to do this depending on the treatment used.

Nits (empty eggs) can stay attached to the hair for months — they do not mean live lice are still present.

When to See a Pharmacist or GP

Come and see us if:

  • You’re not sure whether it’s lice

  • You’ve tried treatment but they keep coming back

  • The scalp is inflamed or infected

  • The patient is under 6 months old

⊕ Visit our Neath pharmacy

⊕ Book a consultation online

What You Can Do at Home

While treatment is underway, these steps can help:

  • Check regularly: especially during school term time

  • Don’t share combs or hats

  • No need to wash bedding or vacuum – lice don’t live long off the scalp

  • Itching may last a few weeks after successful treatment

NHS or Private Treatment – We’ve Got You Covered

Most patients qualify for free NHS treatment under the Common Ailment Scheme. Our pharmacist will confirm eligibility during your consultation.

If you’re not eligible or prefer to go private, we offer affordable OTC products — including online options.

➡️ Book now

➡️ Check our Conditions page for online prescribing


Written by Ali Sparkes BScHons MScEcon IP FRPharmS, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist