Head lice infestation results from colonization of hairy skin by Pediculus capitis, a wingless blood-feeding parasite of the order Phthiraptera. Head lice remain a significant problem as they may cause intense pruritus, and infestation is socially and psychologically stigmatizing. The prevalence of infestations has been increasing and is higher in children aged 4–11 years, in parents of young children and in urban areas. This possibly results from an increase in social mixing and movement around the country. Over a third of children in the United Kingdom will host head lice during any year and surveys show that one to two of every 10 children have head lice at any one point in time. This article aims to provide an overview of head lice infestation and its management in primary care.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
British National Formulary (BNF) 58 September 2009. Accessed via www.bnf.org [date last accessed 11.11.2009].
LebwohlM.ClarkL.LevittJ.Therapy for head lice based on life cycle, resistance, and safety considerations. Pediatrics (2007) 119 (5): 965–74. Accessed via www.pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/119/5/965 [date last accessed 20.10.2009].
10.
MeinkingT.EntzelP.VillarM.VicariaM.LemardG.PorcelainS.Comparative efficacy of treatments for Pediculosis capitis infestations. Archives of Dermatology (2001) 137:287–92. Accessed via www.archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/137/3/287 [date last accessed 20.20.2009].
11.
MumcuogluK.Y.Prevention and treatment of head lice in children. Pediatric Drugs (1999) 1 (3): p. 211–8.
RobertsR.CaseyD.MorganD.PetrovicM.Comparison of wet combing with malathion for treatment of head lice in the UK: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial. Lancet (2000) 356 (9229): p. 540–4.
17.
SticheleR.DezeureE.BogaertM.Systematic review of clinical efficacy of topical treatments for head lice. British Medical Journal (1995) 311: p. 604–8.
18.
YoonK.S.GaoJ.R.LeeS.H.ClarkM.BrownL.TaplinD.Permethrin-resistant human head lice, Pediculus capitis, and their treatment. Archives of Dermatology (2003) 139: p. 994–1000. Accessed via www.archderm.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/139/8/994 [date last accessed 20.10.2009].
