to think that head lice treatment should be free?

[mummycake]

Hi all I work in a primary school within an area classed as deprived.
I teach a group of 30 6/7 year old children and they are all a delight to teach. However there are some children there whos heads are literally crawling with head lice- so much so that they often fall into their work and some children scratch their heads so much it leads to bleeding, scabs and discomfort which sometimes affects their concentration and work as well as their self esteem.
We have one or two children who always seem to have them whilst the majority of the children are treated almost daily by their parents who literally spend a fortune on treatments only to find their children then promptly pick them up by being near other children whilst at school.
I often think if the treatments were free then more parents would use them. I am not saying children who live in deprived areas are more at risk of getting headlice I am just giving the background to my own current experience as very often the mothers are desperate to treat their children but can't afford the pharmacy prices.
And whilst we are on the subject should the '' nit-nurse'' be brought back?

[Mouseface]

Pharmacies near where we used to live offered a free service if you took one of the offenders (nits) in.

Fantastic service.

Nit nurses can't be brought back as they are no longer allowed to "touch" children!!!!

I know because my DDs headmaster told us when I questioned the absence of them in schools these days!!!

Madness!!

[Meglet]

My 2 aren't at school yet but I have already stocked up on nit treamentjust in case it goes round nursery and I was at the price of the stuff.

[MrsYamada]

I thought you could get it on prescription too, perhaps it's worth a general note to parents explaining that you can (if it's not a regional thing?)

[bargainhuntingbetty]

You get it on the minor ailments scheme and your health visitor is allowed to prescribe it too. You dont have to pay for it. I got it for my whole family when dd had them and it was the health visitor who gave me it.

[TheCrackFox]

I have treated nits with wet combing which is practically free - I used cheap condition, cost about 40p IIRC.

TBH the biggest problem isn't money just that some parents can't be arsed.

[IndiMamaJones]

Minor ailments scheme here too - free for both dc's

[mummycake]

I think that some parents would literally be down the g.ps every day for a prescription and I know that the chemists around her charge an awful lot for it! Would the pharmacist be able to write a prescription excuse my ignorance!

[Lulumaam]

it is free if you register with 'care at the chemist' scheme

so YABU! it is free

it is using the treatments properly, combing the hair out regularly that needs doing by the parents

[Lulumaam]

you dont need a prescription, you register with the scheme, and ask for nit lotion

[MrsYamada]

You can get Nitty Gritty combs on prescription - they are pretty good and can be used daily if needed.

[MrsYamada]

If you go to the Nitty Gritty website there is even a letter you can print and take to the GP

[mummycake]

I am just at a loss as today a child who always seems to have head-lice literally made her head bleed by scratching. She was unable to concentrate on her work and you can literally see them crawling down her face. The parents have been questioned indirectly and have said they cant afford the treatment and thats that!

[toccatanfudge]

which I'd seen this thread this time last week..........would have saved me nearly £30......the cost of 2 bottles of hedrin and a nitty gritty

[Tortington]

what is this care at the chemist thing - never heard of it and it it age limited? are all chemists signed up?

[mummycake]

Thats for you information I will see that the parents are informed although like someone said earlier even it it was free the issue is whether the parent can be bothered to treat their child's hair.

[MrsYamada]

That's awful mummycake. You could let them know that you can get prescriptions, maybe if they got it treated by prescription they could then keep on top of things. But then you have everyone re-infecting - it's horrible.

[TheProvincialLady]

Mummycake the issue here is neglect. Has anything been reported to the authorities? That poor girl

[MmeBlueberry]

The school needs to send children home until they are clear, and then insist that long hair is tied back.

[toccatanfudge]

actually as they're due their "7 day" re coating of the stuff tomorrow make that nearly £40............DS2 has just informed me that DS3 has found the hedrin.......unscrewed the lid and tipped it down the sink ARGHHHH

[bentneckwine1]

custardo in scotland it is called 'minor ailments' scheme and covers anybody that does not pay for their prescription...so all children, and those adults that are exempt. The aim is to reduce the time taken up in GP surgery with smaller problems.

The only issue I have found is the need to take my son into the chemist to allow the pharmicist inspect his hair - DS is ten and was not impressed with standing in the middle of a bust shop whilst someone pronounces he has got headlice!! But the staff need to see proof before they give you the treatment.