Our Dermatol Online. 2013; 4(4): 553-554
DOI:. 10.7241/ourd.20134.139
Date of submission: 27.06.2013 / acceptance: 03.08.2013
Conflicts of interest: None
PEDICULOSIS CAPITIS
Patricia Chang1, Gylari Calderón2
1Dermatologist at Hospital General de Enfermedades IGSS and Hospital Ángeles, Guatemala
2Dermatopathologist at Hospital General de Enfermedades IGSS and Hospital Ángeles Guatemala
Corresponding author: Patricia Chang, MD PhD e-mail: pchang2622@gmail.com
How to cite an article: Chang P, Calderón G. Pediculosis Capitis. Our Dermatol Online. 2013; 4(4):553-554.
Pediculosis capitis is an infection of the hair and skin caused by the Pediculus humanus capitis [1]. Head-lice infestation is widely endemic, especially in children, are generally spread through direct head-to-head contact with an infected person [2]. Females get head lice twice more often than males and infestation in persons of Afro-Caribbean or other black descent is rare because of hair consistency [3]. The head lice infestation is Pediculus capitis scalp. 7-10 female eggs produced per day, the maximum number of eggs produced by female throughout its cycle is 110-140; this adheres their host eggs to hair by a water insoluble substance and glue-like. The live eggs (with embryo) are gray gelatinous and are located close to the scalp at 3-4 mm [4]. Scalp pruritus is the most common and characteristic manifestation of the head louse infection localized in retroauricular region, occiput and nape. Secondary bacterial infection (impetigo) may occur as a result of scratching with painful regional lymphadenitis [5]. The empty egg cases or nits can be identified, adult lice and nymphs may be seen in heavy infection [6]. The diagnosed is done by the presence of lice or eggs in the hair, trough using a magnifying glass or running a comb through the child’s hair, dermatoscope and microscope [7]. There are different types of topical treatments available: chemical insecticides such as malathion or pyrethrins, physical acting products such as silicones (dimethicone) and so-called natural oils and essences type [8]. Ivermectin It should be administered at 200 mg / kg, single dose. Some studies recommend repeat the dose at 7, 10 or 15 days [9].
Case 1
Female patient 40 years old hospitalized due to cholecystectomy, during her clinical examination head louse was seen, dermatological examination showed the presence of lice and nits (Fig. 1a, b). Rest of the physical exam was normal.
Figures 1a, b. Nits on hair in female patients (case 1).
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Case 2
Female patient 50 years old hospitalized due to appendectomy, during her clinical examination head louse was seen, dermatological examination showed the presen ce of nits (Fig. 2a, b) and lice (Fig. 3 a, b), histopathology showed the morphology of an adult louse, head comprising an antenna and eye traces (Fig. 4) is also observed part of the chest showing fragments of the legs and abdomen of seven segments where you can see remains of the spiracles where respiration occurs (Fig. 5), at the bottom remains anus and genitalia (Fig. 6). Rest of the physical exam was normal.
Figures 2a, b. Nits on hair in female patients (case 2).
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Figures 3a. Microscopic views of the lice. b. close up of the louse.
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Figures 4. Histopathology showed the morphology of an adult louse, head comprising an antenna and eye traces.
Figures 5. It is also observed part of the chest showing fragments of the legs and abdomen of seven segments where you can see remains of the spiracles where respiration occurs. Figures 6. At the bottom was observed remains anus and genitalia. |
Both patient received ivermectin 200 mg/kg one single dose and cured of their pediculosis capitis.
REFERENCES
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3. Nutanson I, Steen CJ, Schwartz RA, Janniger CK: Pediculus humanus capitis: an update. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Panonica Adriat. 2008;17:147-54, 156-7, 159.
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5. Arenas R: Pediculosis. Atlas dermatología Diagnostico y tratamiento. McGraw-Hill. México. 2009: 564-8.
6. Rook Burns DA: Diseases caused by Arthropods and other Noxious Animals in Rook/Wilkinson/Ebling Textbook of Dermatology Blackwell Science London 1998: 1440-2.
7. Pollack RJ, Kiszewski AE, Spielman A: Overdiagnosis and consequent mismanagement of head louse infestations in North America. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2000;19:689–93.
8. Actualización del tratamiento de la pediculosis. Infact. 2011:19:7- 11.
9. Caro J, Zúñiga I: Pediculosis: Una ectoparasitosis emergente en México. Revista de Enfermedades Infecciosas en Pediatría. 2001;24(94).
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