The number of people visiting the NHS website for headline advice has jumped by more than a third since the beginning of September.

Recent figures from NHS England show there were 12,720 weekly visits to the health advice page on head lice and nits from 15 to 21 September, compared with 9,524 at the start of the month (1 to 7 September) – an increase of 34 per cent.

The peak was Monday 18 September when there were 2,196 visits – the equivalent of one click every 39 seconds.

The increase is being linked to children going back to school after the summer holidays.

The NHS advice webpage helps people identify the head lice by showing clear images of lice, as well as photos of the empty shells of hatched eggs, known as nits.

Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “Head lice and nits are a common issue, especially among young children and families in close contact with one another.

“Once detected, there is no need to consult a GP but treatment should begin immediately and all household members should be checked and treated to stop further spread.

“The nhs.uk head lice and nits advice page provides the latest advice to manage the condition and help keep any outbreaks of head lice and nits under control.”

Image by Alexa from Pixabay