Pediculosis

Excerpt

Pediculosis (louse infestation) affects hundreds of millions worldwide yearly and has been reported in all countries and socioeconomic classes. Lice are obligate, parasitic insects that have no free-living stage in their life cycle. They are transmitted by direct skin-to-skin or fomite-to-skin contact, and symptoms do not typically present for 3 to 4 weeks. The 3 varieties that are parasitic to humans are Pediculus humanus capitis (head louse), Pthirus pubis (pubic or crab louse), and Pediculus humanus (body louse). Head lice are the most common lice that cross all socioeconomic barriers. In contrast, body lice more commonly affect homeless and displaced populations and should be suspected when there are signs of scratching, poor hygiene, and in the year's colder months. See Image. Head Lice.