What disease occurs when lice appear? - briefly
Pediculosis, an infestation of head lice, is the medical condition that arises when lice are present. It typically causes intense itching and may lead to secondary bacterial skin infections.
What disease occurs when lice appear? - in detail
Lice infestation, medically termed pediculosis, leads primarily to intense pruritus and cutaneous inflammation. Repeated scratching can breach the epidermis, allowing bacterial colonisation and resulting in secondary skin infections such as impetigo, cellulitis, or erysipelas. In addition to these local complications, certain lice species act as vectors for systemic illnesses. Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) transmit Rickettsia prowazekii, the agent of epidemic typhus, and Bartonella quintana, which causes trench fever. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) occasionally carry Borrelia recurrentis, the causative organism of louse‑borne relapsing fever, although transmission to humans is rare. Crusted pediculosis, a severe form of infestation, may develop in immunocompromised individuals, presenting with hyperinfestation and extensive scaling.
Key health concerns associated with lice presence:
- Intense itching leading to excoriation and secondary bacterial infection.
- Epidemic typhus (Rickettsia prowazekii) transmitted by body lice.
- Trench fever (Bartonella quintana) linked to body lice.
- Louse‑borne relapsing fever (Borrelia recurrentis) occasionally associated with head lice.
- Crusted pediculosis in immunodeficient patients.
Effective management requires prompt removal of parasites, thorough hygiene measures, and, when indicated, antimicrobial therapy to address secondary infections or vector‑borne diseases.