Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pediculosis capitis history and symptoms
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Head lice infestations can be asymptomatic, particularly with a first infestation or when an infestation is light. Itching (“pruritus”) is the most common symptom of head lice infestation and is caused by an allergic reaction to louse bites. It may take 4-6 weeks for itching to appear the first time a person has head lice.
Symptoms
Symptoms
Head lice are not known to transmit any disease and therefore are not considered a health hazard. Other symptoms may include:
- Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair.
- Itching, caused by an allergic reaction to the bites.
- Irritability.
- Sores on the head caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected.
- Bites can be seen, especially in the neck of long-haired individuals when the hair is pushed aside.
- In rare cases, the itch scratch cycle can lead to secondary infection with impetigo and pyoderma.
- Swelling of the local lymph nodes and fever are rare. Head lice are not known to transmit any pathogenic microorganisms.
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: Please help WikiDoc by adding content here. It’s easy! Click here to learn about editing. C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]