What is the medical term for lice? - briefly
The medical term for an infestation of lice is pediculosis. It is classified as pediculosis capitis (head lice), pediculosis corporis (body lice), or pediculosis pubis (pubic lice) depending on the affected area.
What is the medical term for lice? - in detail
The clinical designation for an infestation by lice is pediculosis. The term applies to any species of the order Phthiraptera that parasitize humans, and it is further qualified by the site of colonization:
- Pediculus humanus capitis – head lice; the condition is called pediculosis capitis.
- Pediculus humanus corporis – body lice; the condition is called pediculosis corporis.
- Pthirus pubis – pubic or crab lice; the condition is called pediculosis pubis.
All three species belong to the subclass Anoplura (sucking lice) except Pthirus, which is a member of the suborder Ischnocera (chewing lice). Their life cycle includes egg (nit), nymph, and adult stages; development from egg to adult takes approximately 7–10 days, and adults survive 30 days on the host.
Diagnosis relies on visual identification of live insects or attached nits attached to hair shafts. Microscopic examination can confirm species by morphology, such as the broader body of Pthirus pubis versus the elongated body of Pediculus species.
Therapeutic measures include topical pediculicides (permethrin 1 % lotion, pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide), oral agents (ivermectin 200 µg/kg single dose), and mechanical removal of nits using fine-tooth combs. Resistance to pyrethroids has been documented; in such cases, malathion 0.5 % or spinosad 0.9 % may be employed.
Prevention emphasizes personal hygiene, regular laundering of clothing and bedding at ≥ 60 °C, and avoidance of sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or towels. Surveillance of outbreak settings (schools, shelters) aids in rapid containment.