Pediculosis

Background

• Caused pediculus humanus
• Hats/combs may act as fomites

Diagnosis

• May see live mites or nits (egg sacks) on hair shaft close to scalp
• May be asymptomatic or pruritic

Lice (electron microscope)

Differential Diagnosis

Domestic U.S. Ectoparasites

• Bed bugs
• Lice
• Scabies (Mites)
• Ticks
• Fleas
• Pseudoparasites
• Delusional parasitosis (Ekbom syndrome)

See also travel-related skin conditions

Treatment

• Permethrin 1% lotion
• Remove nits with fine comb
• Retreatment in 7-10d may be necessary

See Also

• Parasitic Diseases
• Travel Medicine

Source

Tintinalli