Pediculosis
Definition
of Pediculosis:
-flattened, wingless insects commonly attack man.
Etiologic Agent:
4. Pediculus humanos var. capitis (head lice)
5. Pediculus humanos var. corporis (body lice)
6. Pdiculus pubis or pubic lice (crab lice)
a.
Feed on human blood &
lay their eggs in body hair & clothing fibers.
b.
After the nits hatch, the
lice must feed within 24 hours otherwise it will die.
c.
They mature in about 2 – 3
weeks.
d.
It injects toxin into the
skin that produces mild irritation & a purpuric spot.
Clinical
Manifestations of Pediculosis:
1. The head louce
a.
more common in female than
in male. Infects more children than adults.
b.
b.Itching is the first
& predominant symptom.
c.
irritation, excoriation
& crusting & foul smelling mass consisting of matted hair, nits, ova,
pus, crusts, & pediculi results (plica polonica)
2. Body louse
a.
initial lesions are minute
red spots
b.
spot swells & secondary
crust & excoriation is formed on the surrounding skin as a result of
scratching.
3. Crab lice
a.
unusual, persistent itching
in the pubic region
b.
Maculae caeruleae – grayish
pigmented spots – found in the surface of the inner thighs or the abdomen,
pea-size to a small coin.
Treatment
of Pediculosis:
1. Head lice
a.
dusting the scalp with 1%
malathion powder is a reliable & convenient method
b.
massage with gamma benzene
hexachloride shampoo in the scalp for 4 minutes, then rinse.
2. Body louse
a.
laundry (dry clean) or boil
the clothing & beddings
b.
good body hygiene must be
observed always.
3. Crab lice
a.
apply Kwell or Gamene
(Lindane) cream or lotion
b.
Rub crotaminon (Eurax,
Geigy) into the affected area.
c.
repeat the application of
crotaminon after 1 week.
d.
simultaneously treat the
person who had sexual contact with the patient
e.
remove remaining nits
mechanically.
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