Head Lice in Primary School Children: What Bondi Families Need to Know This School Holidays
Stay safe, healthy and lice-free with help from Ocean Medical Practice – your trusted local medical centre on Bondi Road
Head lice are a common and persistent problem for children of primary school age, particularly during the school term and holiday periods when playdates, camps, and sleepovers increase the risk of close contact and transmission.
At Ocean Medical – Bondi’s local GP Medical Centre, we understand how frustrating head lice can be for families and are here to offer guidance, support, and treatment options – all conveniently available at your local Bondi Road GP & doctors’ clinic.
How Common is Head Lice in Children?
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) affect 1 in 4 children aged between 4 and 11 in Australia at any given time. They spread through direct head-to-head contact and are particularly prevalent during school terms and holidays, when children gather in close proximity.
Importantly, lice are not a sign of poor hygiene – they thrive equally in clean and dirty hair.
How to Identify Head Lice
The most common signs of head lice include:
- Itchy scalp, especially around the ears and nape of the neck
- Live lice (tiny brownish-grey insects) seen crawling on the scalp
- Nits (white or yellowish oval eggs) stuck to hair shafts, close to the scalp
- Sores or redness from scratching
To check your child’s scalp effectively:
- Inspect carefully by visual inspection under good lighting; or
- Use a fine-toothed lice comb on wet, conditioned hair
- Comb through small sections under good light
- Wipe the comb on a white tissue to check for lice or eggs
Treatment Options for Head Lice
At Ocean Medical – Bondi Medical Centre, our Bondi GPs recommend these evidence-based treatments:
- Conditioner and Wet Combing
- Apply conditioner to wet hair
- Use a fine-tooth comb every 2–3 days for at least 10 days
- Continue until no lice or eggs are found for 3 consecutive sessions
- Over-the-Counter Treatments
- Available in lotions, shampoos, or sprays
- Look for products containing dimethicone, permethrin, or maldison
- Repeat treatment after 7 days to kill newly hatched lice
Note: All household members should be checked and treated if necessary.
Learn more from NSW Health: Head lice factsheet – NSW Health
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/headlice/Pages/treatment.aspx
How to Prevent Recurrence
- Perform weekly scalp checks, especially during school breaks
- Tie back long hair or use braids
- Avoid sharing hats, brushes, or pillows
- Inform schools or caregivers if lice are detected
Staying Safe and Healthy These School Holidays
The Winter school holidays are a wonderful time for rest and play, but they can also bring health risks such as:
- Increased head lice outbreaks from group activities
- Minor injuries during outdoor play
- Increased Upper Respiratory Infections
- Digestive upsets from eating out or travel
Tips to stay safe:
- Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear hats, and stay hydrated
- Supervise children during outdoor or water activities
- Pack hand sanitiser and maintain hygiene when travelling
- Avoid contact with others when unwell with cold & fly symptoms
- Consider Vaccinations for the flu, Covid and RSV. Its’ not too late.
If your child becomes unwell or needs care during the holidays, we’re here to help.
At Ocean Medical Practice, we proudly provide a warm, family-focused environment for Bondi locals. While other clinics such as Bondi Road Doctors, GP Bondi, and Bondi Doctors operate nearby, our dedicated team delivers a uniquely holistic, compassionate approach to children’s health. We also offer Bulk-Billing for Children most of the day.
New Bulk Billing Hours for Children – Starting 1 July 2025
In response to overwhelming community demand, Ocean Medical Practice will continue bulk-billing children under 16, Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 2:45pm, starting 1 July 2025.
These changes allow us to continue supporting our growing Bondi community, ensuring accessible and timely care for families.
We’re Also Open Saturdays – For Your Convenience
Busy family schedule? No problem. Ocean Medical Practice is open on Saturdays, making it easier to fit health checks, allergy reviews, or head lice assessments into your week. Visit Bondi’s local GP medical centre today.
To make an appointment book here
