What is the proper name for the lice disease? - briefly
The medical term for a lice infestation is pediculosis. It designates the condition caused by head, body, or pubic lice.
What is the proper name for the lice disease? - in detail
The disease produced by infestation with lice is medically termed pediculosis. Pediculosis designates the presence of living lice on the human body and is classified according to the region of infestation:
- Pediculosis capitis – infestation of the scalp hair, caused by Pediculus humanus capitis.
- Pediculosis corporis – infestation of clothing and body hair, caused by Pediculus humanus corporis (body louse).
- Pediculosis pubis – infestation of the pubic region, caused by Pthirus pubis (crab louse).
All three forms share common features: itching due to saliva injection, visible nits attached to hair shafts, and potential secondary bacterial infection from scratching. Diagnosis relies on visual identification of live lice or nits using a fine-toothed comb or magnification. Laboratory confirmation is rarely required.
Treatment protocols differ by species but generally involve:
- Topical pediculicides (permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin‑based products) applied to affected areas according to label directions.
- Mechanical removal of nits with a fine comb; repeated sessions at 7‑day intervals prevent hatching of remaining eggs.
- For body louse, thorough laundering of clothing at ≥60 °C or dry‑cleaning eliminates the vector.
- In cases of resistance or intolerance, oral ivermectin or spinosad may be prescribed.
Prevention strategies include regular hair inspection in high‑risk groups (schoolchildren, institutionalized populations), avoidance of sharing personal items (combs, hats), and maintaining clean clothing and bedding. Public‑health measures focus on outbreak reporting and education to limit transmission.
The term pediculosis therefore serves as the precise, universally accepted nomenclature for diseases caused by lice, encompassing scalp, body, and pubic infestations with distinct clinical and therapeutic considerations.