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Lice (Pediculosis), Pediatric

Daniel Newman, MD and Linda Y. Fu, MD, MS Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Infestation of the head, body, or anogenital region by parasitic, wingless insects that feed exclusively on human blood 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Head lice

    • Spread by head-to-head contact

    • Most common...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Chief complaint is most often pruritus; however, the majority of patients are asymptomatic.

  • Pruritus is an immune-mediated process and may not begin until 1 to 4 weeks after initial in...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Head lice: Synchronized treatment of all infested persons (i.e., family, play group, other close contacts) is key to preventing reinfestation.

  • Because different pediculicides ...

ONGOING CARE

COMPLICATIONS

Head lice 
  • Intense pruritus can disrupt sleep.

  • Stigma associated with infestation can lead to social isolation, teasing, or bullying.

  • Days lost from school or work due to inappr...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD9

  • 132.9 Pediculosis, unspecified

  • 132.0 Pediculus capitis [head louse]

  • 132.1 Pediculus corporis [body louse]

  • 132.2 Phthirus pubis [pubic louse]

  • 373.6 Parasitic infestation of eyelid

  • 132.3 Mixed pedi...

FAQ

  • Q: Are people with long hair more likely to get head lice?

  • A: No, longer hair is not associated with greater likelihood of getting head lice. However, removing lice and nits is easier when hair is ...

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