Pediculosis and the Pediatrician

Abstract

Head lice commonly evoke feelings of disgust, revulsion, anger, and shame among parents and patients. There should, however, be no great cause for such alarm if a physician suspects pediculosis capitis. The recent introduction of several new pediculicidal drugs now allows a choice among four distinct therapeutic agents, which should substantially improve control of isolated cases and epidemics. Physicians must be aware that consumer groups are pressing public health authorities and drug manufacturers to establish proper treatment standards and safety warnings for the use of these agents. In addition, some controversy surrounds the use of lindane in children. This paper reviews the epidemiology and clinical appearance of pediculosis capitis in children, with emphasis on these recent developments. Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) and body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), both of which are much less common pediatric infestations, are mentioned only briefly.