Pediculosis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Pediculosis
Synonyms	Lice infestation
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Itching, visible lice or nits
Complications	Secondary bacterial infection
Onset
Duration
Types	N/A
Causes	Infestation by Pediculus humanus capitis, Pediculus humanus corporis, or Pthirus pubis
Risks	Close contact, sharing personal items
Diagnosis	Visual inspection, use of a fine-toothed comb
Differential diagnosis	Dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, scabies
Prevention	Avoiding head-to-head contact, not sharing personal items
Treatment	Topical insecticides, wet combing
Medication	Permethrin, Ivermectin, Malathion
Prognosis	Good with treatment
Frequency	Common worldwide
Deaths	N/A

Pediculosis is a condition caused by infestations of the human louse. It is a common issue worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. There are three types of lice that infest humans: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice.

Types of Pediculosis

Head Lice

Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are the most common type of lice infestation. They are most commonly found in children, but can affect people of all ages. Head lice infestations are not related to personal hygiene.

Body Lice

Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are less common than head lice, but can still cause significant discomfort. They are often associated with poor hygiene and living conditions, and can spread diseases such as typhus.

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis), also known as crabs, are another type of lice infestation. They are most commonly spread through sexual contact, but can also be spread through sharing bedding or clothing.

Symptoms

The main symptom of pediculosis is itching, caused by an allergic reaction to louse saliva. Other symptoms can include a rash, sores from scratching, and the presence of lice or nits (lice eggs) in the hair or on the body.

Treatment

Treatment for pediculosis typically involves the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications that kill lice and their eggs. In some cases, manual removal of lice and nits may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of pediculosis involves avoiding close contact with individuals who have lice, not sharing personal items such as hats or hairbrushes, and regular cleaning of bedding and clothing.

Gallery

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  Head louse crawling on hairbrush
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  Pediculus humanus capitis