Pediculosis
Pediculosis
Pediculosis (pronunciation: /ˌpɛdɪkjʊˈloʊsɪs/) is a condition caused by infestations of the human lice, leading to intense itching and skin irritation. The term is derived from the Latin word Pediculus, which means louse.
Types of Pediculosis
There are three types of pediculosis, each caused by a different species of louse. These include:
- Pediculosis capitis: This is an infestation of the head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis. It is most common among pre-school and elementary school-aged children.
- Pediculosis corporis: Also known as body lice infestation, it is caused by Pediculus humanus corporis. It is associated with poor hygiene and crowded living conditions.
- Pediculosis pubis: Commonly known as pubic lice or crabs, Pthirus pubis causes this type of pediculosis. It is usually transmitted through sexual contact.
Symptoms
The primary symptom of pediculosis is itching, caused by an allergic reaction to lice saliva. Other symptoms may include a rash, sores from scratching, and the presence of lice or their eggs (nits) in the hair or on the body.
Treatment
Treatment for pediculosis typically involves the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications that kill lice and their eggs. These are known as pediculicides. In some cases, manual removal of lice and nits may be necessary.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for pediculosis include avoiding close head-to-head contact, not sharing personal items like combs or towels, and regular washing of clothes and bed linens.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pediculosis
- Wikipedia's article - Pediculosis
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