Pharmacists are warning parents never to expose children to head lice treatments as a precautionary measure to prevent the outbreak of head lice.

They say these products should only be used to treat head lice.

Bernard Duggan of the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU) said using head lice products as a preventive measure doesn't work, has no benefits and exposes children to pesticides unnecessarily.

With the exception of the common cold, head lice affect more school-aged children than all other communicable diseases combined.

According to the IPU, it is estimated that one in 10 children suffers from head lice at any one time and eight out of 10 of head lice infestations occur in children between the ages of four and 16.

"We are reminding parents that routine screening and early detection is the best and only prevention for an infestation of head lice. While it is understandable that parents want to try and prevent an outbreak, using treatment products as a precautionary measure does not work. We are reminding parents that treatments should only be used if there are nits or lice present in a child's hair", Mr Duggan said.

"Children of all ages are vulnerable to pesticides, especially those who suffer from asthma, allergies or have a pre-existing skin condition. It is always best to seek advice from a pharmacist on the best treatment to use. It is important also never to use these products if you are pregnant or on infants under six months of age," he added.

Partents are advised :

* Check children's hair for lice regularly. Wet-comb the hair every week and tie up long hair in a ponytail to avoid hair coming into contact with other hair that might be infested.
* Itching and scratching are common signs of head lice. As well as live lice which crawl around the head, look out for nits which are tiny eggs that may look like dandruff but can't be flicked off the hair.
* Check around the nape of the neck and ears as well as the head.
* Treat the hair only if live lice or unhatched eggs are present. Treat the child and other family members as soon as possible. Always ask your pharmacist for advice on the most appropriate product to use.
* Inform the school, contacts and friends when your child has nits. The school can then inform other parents that there is an outbreak, so everyone can check and treat their own children.
* Always follow the instructions on the treatment pack and any advice given by your pharmacist. Products used to treat head lice do not prevent the infection from occurring and should never be used as a preventative measure.