Christine J Ko, Dirk M Elston, Pediculosis, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 50, Issue 1, 2004, Pages 1-12, ISSN 0190-9622, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(03)027294.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019096220302729) Sangaré AK, Doumbo OK, Raoult D. Management and treatment of human lice. BioMed research international. 2016;2016(1):8962685. Cardoso AEC, Cardoso AEO, Talhari C, Santos M. Update on parasitic dermatoses. An.Bras.Dermatol. 2020;95(1):1-14. Dr Steven Lamb, Dermatology Registrar, Department of Dermatology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, 1998. Updated by Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, 1 February 2014. Updated by Hon A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, October 2015. Head lice. 2015; Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/head-lice/. Accessed 0214, 2024.

Pediculosis (Lice) – Medicobridge

Author's details

Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
Resident doctor in family medicine in Northern Sweden.

Reviewer's details

Dr Gboyega Olarinoye
MBBS, FMCP.
Dermatologist at FMC Keffi Nassarawa State. Nigeria

Pediculosis (Lice)

Background

Pediculosis, or lice infestation, in darker-skinned individuals may be harder to detect as the lice and nits can blend in with the scalp and hair. Common symptoms include intense itching and the presence of small sores or red bumps from scratching. Treatment typically involves the use of topical insecticides such as permethrin or pyrethrin, with manual removal of nits, and thorough cleaning of bedding and clothing to prevent re-infestation.

Lesion image

Head lice. Pediculosis capitis | DermNet (dermnetnz.org)

Black Children Get Lice Too: Unique Challenges and Treatments (myliceadvice.com)

References

Christine J Ko, Dirk M Elston, Pediculosis, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 50, Issue 1, 2004, Pages 1-12, ISSN 0190-9622, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(03)027294.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019096220302729)
Sangaré AK, Doumbo OK, Raoult D. Management and treatment of human lice. BioMed research international. 2016;2016(1):8962685.
Cardoso AEC, Cardoso AEO, Talhari C, Santos M. Update on parasitic dermatoses. An.Bras.Dermatol. 2020;95(1):1-14.
Dr Steven Lamb, Dermatology Registrar, Department of Dermatology, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand, 1998. Updated by Vanessa Ngan, Staff Writer, 1 February 2014. Updated by Hon A/Prof Amanda Oakley, Dermatologist, Hamilton, New Zealand, October 2015. Head lice. 2015; Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/head-lice/. Accessed 0214, 2024.