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PEDICULOSIS_

It's all about pediculosis

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9 views

PEDICULOSIS_

It's all about pediculosis

Uploaded by

honculadaromel8
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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PEDICULOSIS (LICE INFESTATION)

REPORT BY : Steven James Hamoy

DEFINITION
Pediculosis is an infestation of the skin, scalp, or pubic area by lice—small parasitic insects that
feed on human blood and lay eggs (nits) on hair shafts or clothing fibers. The most common
form in children is pediculosis capitis (head lice).

Types

• Pediculosis capitis: Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) – affect the scalp
• Pediculosis corporis: Pediculus humanus corporis (body lice)- live in clothing and move
to the skin to feed, and pubic lice
• Pediculosis pubis : Phthirus pubis (pubic lice) - infest the genital area, often spreading
through close contact

RISK FACTORS
 School-aged children (especially ages 3–11) -
 Crowded or close-contact environments (e.g., schools, daycare centers)
 Sharing personal items (combs, hats, towels)
 Infrequent hair washing Pediculosis pubis

CAUSES
 Transmitted via direct contact with an infested person or indirect contact with
contaminated items

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS / MANIFESTATIONS


 Intense scalp itching, particularly at night
 Presence of live lice or nits (eggs) attached to hair shafts
 Red papules or excoriation on the scalp, neck, or behind the ears
 Irritability and sleep disturbances

COMPLICATIONS
 Secondary skin infections (e.g., impetigo)
 Lymphadenopathy in severe infestations

LABORATORY TESTS / DIAGNOSES


 Visual inspection of hair and scalp
 Detection of live lice or nits using a fine-tooth lice comb
 Microscopic confirmation if needed

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
 Topical pediculicides (e.g., permethrin 1%, pyrethrin-based shampoos)
 Re-treatment after 7–10 days if live lice persist
 Wash clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water
 Avoid sharing personal items

NURSING MANAGEMENT (NURSING PROCESS)


 Assessment:
Inspect scalp and hair shafts for lice and nits; inquire about recent exposure; assess for
itching and signs of secondary infection.

 Diagnosis:
- Risk for impaired skin integrity related to scratching due to lice infestation

 Intervention:
- wash hair with shampoo such as lindane (Kwell)
- Manual removal of nits using fine-tooth comb
- Wash bedsheets, recently worn clothes
-vacuum pillows, mattresses, or other items unable to be washed
-teach children not to exchange combs, hair barrettes, or other personal items.

 Evaluation:
 Absence of lice and nits, resolution of itching, no recurrence after follow-up

PROGNOSIS (TREATED AND NOT TREATED)


 Treated: Very good prognosis; condition resolves within days to weeks
 Not Treated: Persistent infestation, continued itching, risk of spreading, potential for
secondary skin infections, and psychosocial impact

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