Pediculosis capitis

Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of the scalp with the head louse, Pediculus humanus capitis.
Common in school age children worldwide, scalp pruritus is the characteristic initial manifestation. Empty egg cases or nits are seen glued to hairs.
The area of greatest density of these empty egg cases is usually the occipital scalp.
Pediculosis capitis is contagious.

Treatment:

• Treat secondary infection of the scalp with oral antibiotics
• Head wear, clothing, bed linen, towels, should be machine washed and dried in a hot cycle
• Combs and brushes should be washed in hot water and anti-lice preparations painted and left on for twenty minutes.
• Furniture and flooring should be vacuumed.
• Permethrin 1% cream rinse
• Malathion .5% lotion (not available in Canada)
• Carbamyl 5% lotion
• Lindane 1% shampoo
• Ivermectin
• Oral cortimoxysol
• Petrolatum

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