ASK THE EXPERT

Q: "My daughter caught head lice last term at school, and I'm worried she'll catch them again. What's the best way to get rid of them? I feel so embarrassed about it."

A: TV paediatric doctor Dr Ranj Singh says: "If you find live lice, don't panic. Head lice are common in youngsters and there's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about. In fact, according to research from head lice treatment Hedrin, one in 10 parents end up battling head lice for up to six months due to repeat infestations.

"There are a number of common myths which need to be dispelled. Firstly, head lice can only be passed by direct contact. They cannot jump, hop, fly or swim.

"Secondly, head lice only survive on heads, dying quickly away from their food source. They can't be caught by sharing things like hairbrushes, towels or bedding.

"Thirdly, lice like to live close to the scalp and can survive on hair as short as 2mm long, so cutting hair short won't necessarily help and may be upsetting for your child.

"Finally, having head lice has nothing to do with personal hygiene - they can live on all types of hair and no preference exists between clean or dirty hair.

"The key to treating the problem successfully is persistence, and applying treatment properly and as instructed. It can also help to keep long hair tied back. It's important to know that there are also head lice protection products available, which can be used as part of normal hair washing routines."