J Korean Med Assoc.  2011 May;54(5):523-529. 10.5124/jkma.2011.54.5.523.

Reemerging skin disease caused by arthropods II: louse

• Sim S
• Pai KS

• KMID: 2190714
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2011.54.5.523

Abstract

The aim of this article is to provide guidelines to diagnosis and therapeutics for HLI in Korea. Head lice infestation (HLI) caused by Pediculus humanus capitis is still common in Korean children in spite of an improvement since the 1980s in the country's economic status and the concepts of hygiene. HLI is troublesome and, if not treated, can lead to secondary bacterial infection as a result of scratching of the irritated scalp induced by an inflammatory reaction to injected saliva or anticoagulant. In addition, HLI causes social and psychological problems as well as physical symptoms. Confirmation of the HLI depends on identification of adult lice, nymphs, or viable nits. Nits are more commonly found at the nape of the neck and retroauricular areas. The differential diagnosis includes hair casts, dandruff, and debris by hair spray. Few chemical shampoos such as those containing lindane or pyrethrin are currently available in Korea. Although HLI is an important public health issue in Korea, little information is available on HLI. Medical doctors, school nurses, and teachers should be acquainted with HLI for the successful control of this disease, which is distressing a number of children covertly.

Keyword

Pediculus humanus capitis; Practice guideline; Diagnosis; Therapeutics; Korea

MeSH Terms

Adult
Arthropods
Bacterial Infections
Child
Diagnosis, Differential
Hair
Humans
Hygiene
Korea
Lindane
Neck
Nymph
Pediculus
Phthiraptera
Public Health
Saliva
Scalp
Skin
Skin Diseases
Lindane

Figure

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  Figure 1 Prevalence of head louse infestation over the past 30 years in Korea.

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  Figure 2 Female and male adult lice and nymph.

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  Figure 3 Hypersensitivity rashes on the nape of the neck by head lice.

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  Figure 4 Detection of head louse infestation with a fine-toothed comb.

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  Figure 5 Occipital area of the child with head louse infestation.

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  Figure 6 Nit (A), hatched nit (B) and hair cast (C) attached to hair shaft.

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