NHS bosses say over the last few months there have been an increasing number of head lice infestations reported to their public health team from across Dumfries and Galloway.
And now the message to parents is to carry out regular checks.
Health protection nurse specialist Justine McCuaig said: “Early detection methods such as wet combing are recommended to help you and your family and we would encourage you to “every week take a peek” at your child’s head.
“It is equally important to get the appropriate treatment and advice if you do discover a family member has live lice.”
Free advice and medication can be sought from the minor ailment service at local pharmacies and Justine added: “This is much preferable to buying a less effective product over the counter and you also get the opportunity to ask questions and get helpful hints and tips.”
Health Scotland has produced a fact sheet full of information on the subject, it can be found online at www.healthscotland. com/documents/25.aspx.
