Pediculosis

                        Pediculosis / Head Lice

Pediculosis is a skin infestation by lice. Pediculosis capitis, (head lice infestation) is probably the most common parasitic conditions among children world wide. It is particularly common in resource poor communities in the developing world affecting individuals of all age groups. Prevalence in the general population can be as high as 40%. Children aged less than 12 years show the highest prevalence and bear the highest burden of disease.

Lice are insects that live on human hair and clothing. They are small but can still be seen with the naked eye. Often they are well camouflaged and reflect the color of the surroundings, which make them difficult to see. The medical term for infestation of lice is called peduculosis. There are three types of lice that infest humans Pediculus capitis or the head louse. Pediculus humanus /  the body louse. And the  Phthirus pubis. The lice are insects that live on rather than in the body. They are wingless and have six legs on which attached strong claws which they use to grasp on tightly to hair shafts or clothing fibers.

Introduction

It is more common in those portions of skin where body hair are present e. g, the scalp or the head, the pubic area, and less frequently the other parts of the body. The commonest among these is pediculus capitis or the head lice.. The mode of spread of the lice is by sharing the hats, combs, kerchiefs etc, which were in use by the infested person. The female lice deposits eggs which are attached to the hair with a chitinous substance. These are visible with the naked eye and they are sometimes found on the eye brows, beard, moustache, etc. besides scalp. The itching caused by the saliva of  the lice is sometimes so severe that the scratches are inflicted, occasionally resulting in the  pus formation and result in the enlargement of the nearby lymph nodes.

Pediculosis is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with the eggs, larvae or adults of lice. The crawling stages of this insect feed on human blood, which can result in severe itching. Head lice are usually located on the scalp, crab lice in the pubic area and body lice along seams of clothing.

Symptoms

                                              

Lice Infestation

• Itching
• Abrasions
• Erythematous macules and papules.

Pediculosis Corporis

Diagnosis

Direct examination for the presence of lice in scalp, axilla and pubic hair.

Complications

Sores can occur on head from scratching. These sores can become infected by bacteria normally found on a persons skin. It can also result in dry hyperpigmented, thickly encrusted scaly skin with residual scarring.

Head Lice

How do hair lice look like ?

They are about a size of sesame seed, has six legs, and is tan to greyish white. Adult lice can vary in colour, depending on person's hair color. Females who are usually larger than males, lay eggs. Adult lice can live up to 30 days. If the louse fall of a person. It dies within two days.

Pediculosis

Definition

Lice  : Live bugs that live on human head and feed off of tiny drops of blood.

Louse : The singular form of lice.

Nits : Lice eggs that are attached to an individuals strands of hair.

Pediculicide : Treatment that is applied to the hair that is specifically made for killing lice. 

Life Cycle of lice

Adult louse lives only 48 hours when away from the human host, and the life span of average female is one month. The female lays her eggs at night at the junction of the hair shaft and close to the skin because the eggs need the warm environment. The eggs or nits hatch approximately 7-10 days. Itching is usually the only symptom. Common areas involved are the occipital area, behind the ears and the nape of the neck.

Types of Lice

Habitat

Prevention

Good hygiene

Treatment

Drug of choice :

Permethrin

Treatment of patients and contact

Removal of nits and lice with comb, vinegar application

Eyelash infection (Phthiriasis )

Mechanical removal , Epilation, Topical agents.

(Capitalist, corporis and pubis)

Take care that application does not come in contact with eyes.

Mediker (synthetic pyrethroid)

Cyban (malathion 0.5 % lotion Lederle

Permethrin lotion 1% is approved by the FDA for the treatment of head lice. Permethrin is safe and effective when used as directed. Permethrin kills live lice but not unhatched eggs.

Repeat application after one week.

Since body lies lives in clothing's specially in seamed, laundering of clothes and underclothes and bedding at high temperature.

Pediculosis Scalp : Shampoo the hair and scalp using a regular shampoo. After drying the hair apply the lotion for 10 minutes and wash and dry the hair. Use a fine tooth comb to remove any remaining nits.

Permethrin 1% or ivermectin 06% weight to volume overnight

Systemic ivermectin 10 mg single dose.

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