Pediculus Humanus Capitis (Head Lice)

Question 1

What does Obligate human parasite mean

Answer 1

cannot survive on other animals or furniture

Question 2

Lice
Direct contact is source of transmission.
(a) Lice feed or suck blood ___ hours (blood meal)
(b) They live for about __ month(s), female can lay 7-10 eggs per day.
(c) Eggs (or nits) are firm casts cemented to the hair shaft; hatch every 8-10 days.

Answer 2

a) 3-6
b) 1

Question 3

Type of lice
typically sexually transmitted.

Answer 3

Pediculosis Pubis

Question 4

body louse

Answer 4

Pediculosis Corporis

Question 5

head louse

Answer 5

Pediculosis Capitis

Question 6

Treatment for lice

Answer 6

Treatment
(1) Permethrin rinse 1% (Nix); Permethrin 5% (Elimite); Lindane % (Kwell)
-(a) Sexual contacts/family members should also be treated.
-(b) As a last resort, shaving hair can be curative.
(2) Removing nits is essential (Nit combs)
-(a) If you kill the lice but leave the nits, they come back in 8-10 days.
-(b) Hair saturated with a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water, applied and removed in 15 minutes may help to “unglue” nits.
(3) Clothes and bedclothes should be washed and dried at high temperature (laundering and steam pressing, or dry cleaning) if possible.

Question 7

Differential Diagnosis lice

Answer 7

(1) Seborrheic Dermatitis
(2) Impetigo
(3) Insect Bites - bed bugs

Question 8

Labs/Studies/Imaging lice

Answer 8

(1) Woods Lamp
(2) Adequate lighting & magnifying glass