It is the presence of small parasites called lice or their eggs (nits) in areas populated by hair, such as the head, the eyelashes, etc. They spread easily regardless of the hygiene conditions of the affected person.
The main cause of infection is contact with infected individuals, their clothing or shared objects.
They cause itching, a tingling sensation and/or eczema due to the scratching. To confirm the presence of lice, it is enough by doing a correct inspection.
The treatment is based on creams or lotions and brushing the hair with a special comb to remove the nits. You may need to perform the treatment more than once to permanently remove them. Clothes and towels that have been in contact with the affected person should be washed and cleaned thoroughly. With the current new treatments, cutting or shaving the hair is not necessary.
- L. Peramiquel, E. Roé, J. Dalmau, L. Puig. Pediculosis. Farm Prof. 19(9):64-67
- J. Guerrero, J.A. Ruiz, J.J Menéndez, A. Barrios. Manual de Diagnóstico y Terapéutica en Pediatría. Pediculosis. Publimed. Quinta edición. 508-510.
- M. A. Quiroz, K. L. Reyes, N. P. Sánchez, U. Reyes, S. Hernández, et al. Pediculosis. Bol Clin Hosp Infant Edo Son. 2015; 32(1): 22-25.
- MedlinePlus. Rockville. 2017. Piojos de la cabeza; [citado el 27 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/headlice.html
- UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Pediculosis capitis; [citado el 27 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/pediculosis-capitis?source=search_result&search=pediculosis&selectedTitle=1~54
