Cash-strapped parents are treating their children's head lice with a potentially dangerous animal flea medication to try and save money.

Health bosses in East Sussex have issued a warning after hearing reports that a number of families had experimented with the pet medication as their children returned to school.

The drug, which often contains poisonous synthetic chemicals, can irritate skin and cause sickness if swallowed.

It’s thought that many of the parents, who came mainly from the Hastings and Rother area, had used a pet treatment they had already bought for their cat or dog.

This involves putting a drop of medicine on the back of an animal's head.

NHS managers, who are now launching an awareness campaign, say ordinary head lice treatment for children is actually available on prescription so would be free to parents.

Annie Singer, head of children's services for East Sussex Downs and Weald and Hastings and Rother primary care trusts (PCTs), said: “Some of our school nurses have come across stories of people using medicine, which should be used to get rid of fleas on a cat or dog, to treat their kids for head lice.

“The apparent reason for this is to save money, but not only is it no good at getting rid of lice, it is potentially highly dangerous to children's health.

“Only approved treatments for head lice, such as Hedrin which is available on prescription, should be used on children."

A spokeswoman for the National Office of Animal Health, which represents the UK animal medicines industry, said: “All veterinary medicines undergo rigorous checks and safety tests and are specifically created to be used on a particular species of animal.

“They are not suitable for human use.”

Julie Caddock, who manages the local school nursing team for East Sussex Downs and Weald, said: “It is important that people understand that headlice can affect anyone, not just school age children, and that treating head lice on kids need not cost a penny.

“The medication is available on prescription and all young people in full time education get free NHS prescriptions.

“Whether you are young, old or somewhere in between, head lice do not discriminate and will take up residence wherever they can.

“People may also not be aware that only those with active head lice actually need to be treated, although when a live case is identified extended family, for example grandparents, should be checked as well."

It is recommended that families carry out regular checks for head lice with a fine toothed comb. These are available to buy from local pharmacies.

For more information on head lice you can talk to your GP.

Families with preschool age children can also get advice from their health visitor, while parents with children at school should get in touch with their local school nurse via the school.

Local school nursing teams hold regular 'bug busting' days across the county to give out help and advice on head lice.