Pediculosis (Lice)

exp date isn't null, but text field is

Infestation by lice, usually in the hairy parts of the body. Usually found on the scalp, armpits, chest or pubic area.

Causes

  • Pediculosis humanus (capitis, corporis, pubis)

Signs and symptoms

  • Severe itching of affected areas, scratch marks
  • Nits (white eggs) attached to hairs
  • Visible lice
  • Secondary bacterial infection and eczemas

Differential diagnosis

  • Seborrheic dermatitis

Investigations

  • Diagnosis is clinical

Non-pharmacological/pharmacological treatment

-        Shave the affected area

-        Apply pediculicide to kill lice 

Benzyl benzoate lotion 25%

Apply lotion and leave on overnight

Child

2-12 years: dilute the lotion with an equal part of water before application

<2 years: dilute 1 part of lotion with 3 parts of water, leave on for 12 hours.

Note:

-        Apply ONLY once

-        Comb with a fine-toothed comb if not shaved

Note

Head lice

-        Do not use undiluted benzyl benzoate lotion in children <2 years. It is very irritant to the eyes

-        If the head is not shaved, ensure that the benzyl benzoate lotion is massaged well into the scalp

Pubic lice

-        Treat all sexual partners at the same time