Online and in the shops: Headlice check

As children settle into school The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is advising parents to check for head lice every week by wet combing the hair.

However, the IPU warned parents that products used to treat head lice do not prevent an infestation from occurring and should therefore not be used as a preventative measure.

Wet combing is easier when hair is covered in conditioner and it may be worth using products that contain Tea Tree Oil.

Researchers at the James Cook University in Queensland, Australia, found that Tea Tree is a natural remedy which is effective for head lice treatment and prevention.

Green People’s Organic Children’s Lavender Shampoo and Conditioner, €12.25 each, are mild and non-irritating for sensitive scalps, using lavender, aloe vera and tea tree to naturally cleanse the hair; www.greenpeople.ie.

¦ REMOVAL KIT: A.Vogel Riddance €10.75 for 100ml is a head lice removal kit containing a lotion made from Neem tree seed extract, and offer an alternative to chemical treatments.

In Indian culture, the Neem tree is known as the village pharmacy and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, as well as being an insecticide. For more advice on head lice see www.avogel.ie

¦ SCARS AID: Nimue Derma Re-pair is designed to improve the appearance of scars and stretchmarks, reducing size, improving colour and smoothing the skin when applied regularly.

Derma Repair is also suitable for use during preg-nancy, helping to prevent stretchmarks. It costs €82.75 from beauty salons nationwide; for stockists call 01-2190292; www.nimueskin.com.

¦ MATERNITY CHIC: Wrap up for autumn in this chic maternity silver puffa coat from Mamalicious, €74.95.

It comes in four sizes and is available from Cork maternity boutique Beautiful Bumps and online at www.beautifulbumps.ie