Parental attitudes towards head lice infestation in Greece

Background Pediculosis capitis constitutes a growing problem worldwide and is usually considered as an inconvenience. Parents often handle this infestation on their own initiative. Objective We conducted a survey in order to depict the parental attitudes towards head lice infestation in Greece. Methods Parents of children aged 3–14 years, attending a dermatology outpatient clinic at a children’s hospital, were given a questionnaire regarding head lice. Demographic data, management, and prevention strategies were included in the questionnaire. Results Three‐hundred and seventy‐two complete questionnaires were analyzed (response rate: 89%). Pediculosis capitis was more prevalent in the age groups 3–5 years and 6–8 years. The percentage of parents of infested children who sought advice on treatment from the pharmacist was 73%, and only 15% consulted their doctor. Chemical agents to treat head lice were used by 59% of them, products containing natural oils by 38%, and wet combing in parallel was employed by 79% of them. Preventive measures were employed by 66% of the respondents, and 54% applied botanical and synthetic products commercially available for this purpose. Conclusion There is a trend towards the use of natural oils for either prevention or treatment. More needs to be done to promote public education and rational use of either pediculicides or non‐pharmacological agents for pediculosis capitis infestation.