JNUH

Pediculosis

Infestation of humans with lice

3 species affect humans

  • Pediculus humanus capitis: head louse.
  • Pediculus humanus corporis: body louse.
  • Phthirus pubis: pubic or crab louse.
Pediculosis
Book an Appointment View Speciality

Pediculosis capitis

  • Itching is common
  • Erythema and intensely pruritic papules.
  • Nits attached to hair shafts.
  • Favoured site - behind the ears.
  • Cervical lymphadenopathy common in children.

Pediculosis corporis

  • Itchy papules and excoraitions.
  • Vagabond’s disease.

Pediculosis pubis

  • Lice and nits seen by patient or family members.
  • Attached to the base of the hairs.
  • “maculae caeruleae” slate coloured macules resulting from, intra cutaneous hemorrhages.
  • Head louse: Scalp hair common in children (3 -11 yrs). Head to head contact, sharing combs, brushes and hats.
  • Body louse: Clothes, mainly seams, poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions.
  • Pubic louse: Pubic & axillary hairs, also scalp, eyebrows and eyelashes. Any hairy area. Intimate contact, sexual intercourse and shared clothes.
  • For pediculosis corporis only washing and rinsing all clothes in hot water followed by hot ironing the seams is required.
  • Repeated application of petrolatum on eyelashes & eyebrows, then remove the lice with tweezers.
  • Contacts should be checked and treated.
  • Combs, hair brushes and clothes should not be shared.

How is it diagnosed?

  • Hannifin and Rajki Criteria
  • Diagnostic criteria: Major features
    • Head lice: Presence of live young or adult louse in hair or one or more nits on hair shaft located within 1/4th inch of scalp
    • Body lice: Presence of eggs or crawling lice in the seams of clothing or bedding
    • Pubic lice: Presence of moving lice or nits on hair
Pediculosis

How is it treated?

Drug Dose Remark
Malathion 0.5% 12 hrs Repeat after 7 days
Carbaryl Lotion : 24 hrs
Shampoo : 3-4 mins		 Repeat after 7 days
GBH 1% lotion : 12 hrs
Shampoo : 4-10 min		 2 applications.
Repeat after 7 days
Permethrin 1% 12 hrs Repeat after 7 days

Ivermectin 200 mcg/kg, Cotrimoxazole

Consult with experienced Doctors

JNU is home to some of the most eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective arenas and are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary procedures
Arvind Kumar Verma

Dr. Arvind Kumar Verma

Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Gajanand Ojha

Dr. Gajanand Ojha

Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Priyanka Sharma

Dr. Priyanka Sharma

Associate Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Sapna Meena

Dr. Sapna Meena

Assistant Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Amit Kumar Malhotra

Dr. Amit Kumar Malhotra

Assistant Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Vikarn Garg

Dr. Vikarn Garg

Assistant Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
close
close
close
close