Head lice treatment in Huntingdon.
Head lice are common, easily spread and nothing to be embarrassed about. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can confirm whether you really have them and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment — no GP referral required.
What are head lice?
Head lice are tiny insects that live in the hair and feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp. They lay eggs, often called nits, which attach firmly to individual hairs.
Finding eggs alone does not always mean there is a current infestation. The clearest evidence is finding a live louse.
No appointment needed — come in during opening hours and ask for the pharmacist.
Prefer a set time? Call and we'll book you in with the pharmacist.
Open Mon–Fri 08:45–18:00 (closed 13:00–14:00).
Common signs and symptoms
Not everyone with head lice notices symptoms straight away. The common signs are:
- An itchy scalp, although itching may not start straight away
- Feeling as though something is moving in the hair
- Small red marks or scratch marks on the scalp
- Difficulty sleeping because of itching
- Live lice or eggs attached to hairs, especially near the scalp
What causes head lice?
Head lice spread mainly through direct head-to-head contact with someone who has live lice.
This is the main way head lice spread — close head-to-head contact with someone who has live lice.
Head lice are common among school-aged children, but they can affect anyone.
Head lice cannot jump, fly or swim. They crawl from one head to another, which is why close contact is what spreads them.
Head lice are not caused by dirty hair or poor personal hygiene. Clean, well-washed hair is affected just as easily.
Sharing hats, hair brushes, combs or pillows is a less common way for lice to spread, but it's still worth avoiding while lice are present.
How can it be prevented?
These steps help stop head lice spreading to other people in your household or class.
Use a fine-toothed detection comb to check hair regularly, particularly if someone close to you has head lice.
Check everyone in the household and close contacts, and treat anyone with confirmed live lice on the same day.
While lice are present, try to reduce direct head-to-head contact between affected people and everyone else.
Do not use medicated lotions or sprays to prevent head lice, as they can irritate the scalp.
Children do not need to stay off school because they have head lice.
There is no need to hot-wash bedding, clothing or other laundry.
Checking hair with a fine-toothed detection comb is the most reliable way to spot head lice early, and the quickest way to stop them spreading.
When should someone seek medical help?
Head lice are usually easy to confirm and treat, but some situations are worth getting advice about.
Speak to your pharmacist or GP
Get advice if:
- You are unsure whether live lice are present
- You need advice about treatment for a baby or young child
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Live lice remain after you have followed the treatment instructions correctly — a pharmacist can advise whether to try a different treatment
Seek medical advice for signs of scalp infection
Get advice if scratching has caused any of the following, which may be signs of a skin infection:
- Spreading redness
- Increasing pain
- Swelling or pus
- A fever
Remember: Head lice are common and are not a sign of poor hygiene. The most reliable way to confirm an infestation is to find a live louse using a detection comb.
Read the NHS head lice guideCommon questions
Can a pharmacist help with head lice?
Yes. Under the NHS Minor Ailments Scheme our pharmacist can check the hair properly, confirm whether live lice are really present, explain how to treat them and, where suitable, supply NHS treatment.
How do I know if it's really head lice?
Finding eggs alone doesn't always mean there is a current infestation — some may be empty shells or left over from an earlier infestation. The clearest evidence is finding a live louse, which is best done by combing the hair with a fine-toothed detection comb.
Are head lice a sign of dirty hair?
No. Head lice are not caused by dirty hair or poor personal hygiene, and they can affect clean, well-washed hair just as easily. They spread mainly through head-to-head contact.
Does my child need to stay off school?
No. Children do not need to stay off school because they have head lice. There is also no need to hot-wash bedding, clothing or other laundry.
How much does it cost?
The consultation is free. If the pharmacist can treat you under the scheme, any NHS prescription charge that applies is the same as it would be at your GP — and free if you don't normally pay for prescriptions.
Do I need an appointment?
No — walk-ins are welcome during opening hours. If you'd rather have a set time, call us on 01480 425412 and we'll schedule one for you.
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Walk in and ask for the pharmacist, or call us to arrange a time — free NHS advice and treatment under the Minor Ailments Scheme.