Head lice infestation

摘要

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.