Head Lice Treatment in Neath – Free NHS Advice & Support

Our head lice treatment service in Neath provides fast, professional care from trained pharmacists through the NHS Common Ailments Service. If eligible, you can receive free NHS advice and treatment — no need to wait for your GP.

What Are Head Lice?

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

Common symptoms include:

• Itchy scalp or a crawling feeling
• Visible small insects moving on the scalp
• White or yellow eggs attached to hair strands

Itching or seeing nits alone does not always mean an active infestation — live lice must be seen to confirm infection.

How to Check for Head Lice

The most effective way to check for head lice is by wet combing with a fine-toothed detection comb:

• Wash and apply conditioner to wet hair
• Detangle using a normal comb
• Use a fine-toothed detection comb from root to tip, checking after each stroke
• Wipe the comb on tissue and inspect for live lice
• Repeat for all sections of hair

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

Professional Treatment Options

Our pharmacists can recommend the most suitable treatment, based on your age, scalp sensitivity, and previous products used. Options include:

• Wet combing: A chemical-free method suitable for all ages, proven effective with repeat use.
• Physical insecticides (e.g. Hedrin® Once): Kills lice and eggs, easy to apply, and suitable for many ages.
• Chemical insecticides (e.g. Derbac-M® malathion): Used when other treatments fail and resistance is not suspected.

Aftercare & Follow-Up

Recheck the hair 7 and 14 days after treatment using a detection comb.
Your pharmacist will guide you on when to repeat or switch treatment if needed.

Note: Empty eggs (nits) can stay attached to the hair for weeks — this does not mean live lice remain.

When to Seek Further Help

We may refer you to a GP or pharmacist prescriber if:

• You are unsure whether lice are present
• Treatment has failed after two attempts
• The scalp is inflamed, infected, or bleeding
• The patient is under 6 months old

What You Can Do at Home

• Check all family members regularly, especially during school term
• Avoid sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories
• There’s no need to wash bedding or vacuum — lice don’t survive long off the scalp
• Itching may continue for 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 Ailments Scheme.
If you are not eligible, our pharmacists can still recommend effective over-the-counter products in store or online.

Book Online or visit us in person for same-day advice.

FAQs – Head Lice & NHS Treatment

Is head lice treatment free on the NHS?

Yes — if eligible, treatment is available free through the NHS Common Ailments Service. Your pharmacist will confirm eligibility during your consultation.

Can I get treatment without seeing a GP?

Yes — you can book directly with our pharmacists for assessment and treatment. No GP referral is needed.

Do I need to treat everyone in the household?

Only those with live lice should be treated, but all close contacts should be checked using a detection comb.

How soon can I return to school or work?

You don’t need to stay home once treatment has started and live lice are removed.

Explore related services:
Common Ailments Service |
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Written by Ali Sparkes BSc (Hons), MSc Econ, IP, FRPharmS – Independent Prescribing Pharmacist