DERM 04 and 05: Lice

Question 1

Pediculosis Capitis (Head Lice)

• Organism
• Mode of Transmission
• Clinical Features
• Diagnosis
• Differential Diagnosis

Answer 1

• pediculus humanus capitis
• head-to-head contact, sharing personal items (combs, brushes, hats)
• pruritic scalp with red papules around ears, face, neck
• detection of lice, eggs, or nits close to scalp
• dandruff, hair casts, hairspray droplets

Question 2

Pediculosis Corporis (Body Lice)

• Organism
• Mode of Transmission
• Clinical Features
• Diagnosis
• Differential Diagnosis

Answer 2

• pediculus humanus corporis
• clothing and bedding, poor hygiene
• pruritus and skin reactions (usually in flanks, axillae, and around waist and neck), live in seams of clothing (not on body)
• detection of lice, eggs, or nits in seams of clothing
• seborrheic dermatitis, flea or insect bites, eczema, folliculitis

Question 3

Pediculosis Pubis (Pubic Lice)

• Organism
• Mode of Transmission
• Clinical Features
• Diagnosis
• Differential Diagnosis

Answer 3

• phthirus pubis
• sexual contact, may be associated with other STDs
• pruritus in anogenital area, may also be found on facial hair (eyelashes, eyebrows, beard) and rarely scalp
• detection of lice, eggs, or nits in pubic hair
• seborrheic dermatitis, folliculitis, dermatophytosis