Pediculosis

is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with the eggs, larvae or adults of lice.

The three types of lice that live on humans are:

Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse),
Pediculus humanus corporis (body louse, clothes louse), and.
Pthirus pubis (“crab” louse, pubic louse).

Signs and symptoms:

 Itching.
 Lice on scalp.
 Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts.

Causes
Transmission
Head lice crawl, but they cannot jump or fly. Most often transmission of a head louse from one person
to another is by direct contact.
Indirect transmission is not likely, but lice may spread from one person to another by items such as:
 Hats and scarves, Brushes and combs, Hair accessories, Headphones, Pillows, Upholstery,
Towels

Complications
If your child scratches an itchy scalp from a head lice infestation, it is possible for the skin to break
and develop an infection.

Treatment

 OTC products:
o Permethrin (Nix). Permethrin is a synthetic version of pyrethrin. Side effects may
include redness and itching of the scalp.
o Pyrethrin with additives (Rid, A200 Lice Treatment). In this OTC medication,
pyrethrin is combined with another chemical that enhances its toxicity. Side effects may
include itching and redness of the scalp. Pyrethrin shouldn't be used if your child is
allergic to chrysanthemum or ragweed.

 Prescription Medication
o Benzyl alcohol (Ulesfia). This product is not toxic to lice but kills them by depriving them
of oxygen
o Ivermectin (Sklice). Ivermectin is approved for use with people age six months or older.
o Spinosad (Natroba). Spinosad is approved for use with people age six months or older. It
kills live lice and eggs and usually doesn't need repeated treatment.
o Malathion (Ovide). Malathion is approved for use with people age 6 or older.
o Lindane. This medicated shampoo has a risk of severe side effects, including seizures,
and is used only when other treatments have failed.