What is the disease with lice called? - briefly
The infestation of humans by lice is medically termed pediculosis, with specific forms such as pediculosis capitis for head lice. Treatment involves topical insecticides or oral medications to eradicate the parasites.
What is the disease with lice called? - in detail
The medical condition resulting from infestation by lice is termed pediculosis. It encompasses several specific forms, each linked to a particular species of ectoparasite.
Pediculosis is classified according to the body region affected:
- Head pediculosis – caused by Pediculus humanus capitis; common among school‑age children.
- Body pediculosis – caused by Pediculus humanus corporis; associated with poor hygiene and crowded living conditions.
- Pubic pediculosis (crabs) – caused by Pthirus pubis; transmitted primarily through sexual contact.
Transmission occurs via direct head‑to‑head contact, sharing of personal items (combs, hats, bedding), or, for body lice, through contaminated clothing. Pubic lice spread through intimate contact or shared towels.
Typical manifestations include:
- Persistent itching due to allergic reaction to lice saliva.
- Visible nits (eggs) attached to hair shafts or clothing fibers.
- Small, mobile insects visible on the scalp, body hair, or pubic region.
- Secondary skin lesions from scratching, occasionally leading to bacterial infection.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of live lice and nits using a fine‑tooth comb or magnification. Laboratory confirmation is rarely required.
Effective management combines:
- Topical pediculicides (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion, pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide) applied according to product instructions.
- Mechanical removal of nits with a fine comb, repeated after 7–10 days to capture newly hatched lice.
- Washing of bedding, clothing, and personal items at ≥60 °C or sealing them in plastic bags for two weeks to eliminate dormant stages.
- For body lice, laundering infested garments and improving personal hygiene are essential.
- In cases of resistance or severe infestation, oral ivermectin may be prescribed under medical supervision.
Prevention focuses on avoiding head contact, not sharing personal items, and maintaining clean clothing and bedding. Regular screening in high‑risk environments (schools, shelters, correctional facilities) reduces outbreak potential.