The head louse (Pediculus humanus var capitis) is a common and world-wide infestation, especially in children.
Risk factors:
(1) young child (3 to 11 years of age) at school or day care center
(2) child in a developing country
(3) contact with a someone with head lice
(4) sharing hats or head coverings with someone with head lice
Clinical findings:
(1) lice or nits (eggs) on scalp hairs
(2) finding hairs with nits on a comb
(3) scratching the scalp
(4) sleep disturbances
(5) poor school performance
Complications:
(1) secondary bacterial infection of the scalp (impetigo, other)
(2) social isolation
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Specialty: Infectious Diseases
