What is the name of the disease when lice appear? - briefly
The condition caused by an infestation of head lice is called pediculosis, specifically pediculosis capitis. It refers to the presence of Pediculus humanus capitis on the scalp and hair.
What is the name of the disease when lice appear? - in detail
The condition resulting from an infestation of lice is medically termed pediculosis. It encompasses several forms depending on the species involved:
- Head pediculosis – caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, affecting the scalp and hair shafts.
- Body pediculosis – caused by Pediculus humanus corporis, residing in clothing seams and moving to the skin to feed.
- Pubic pediculosis (crabs) – caused by Pthirus pubis, localized to the genital area and surrounding hair.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infested person or, for body lice, via contaminated clothing or bedding. Typical manifestations include itching, visible nits attached to hair shafts, and, in severe cases, secondary bacterial infection from scratching.
Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of live lice or nits using a fine-toothed comb or magnification. Laboratory confirmation is rarely required.
Effective management combines mechanical and pharmacological measures:
- Mechanical removal – wet combing of hair or clothing, followed by washing at ≥60 °C to eradicate nits.
- Topical pediculicides – products containing permethrin 1 % or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide, applied according to manufacturer instructions.
- Oral agents – ivermectin or milbemycin oxime for refractory cases, prescribed after confirming suitability.
Prevention emphasizes personal hygiene, regular laundering of garments, avoidance of sharing personal items (combs, hats, bedding), and prompt treatment of identified cases to interrupt transmission cycles.