Lice infestation on the human body (also known as
pediculosis) is very common. Cases number in the hundreds of millions worldwide. Three distinct presentations of lice
infection exist and each is caused by a unique parasite. Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) is by far and away the most common infestation and favors no particular socioeconomic group. A genetically close "cousin," Pediculus humanus corporis, is responsible for body lice and is more commonly associated with poverty, overcrowding, and poor hygiene. Pubic lice (crabs) are caused by Pthirus pubis and is transmitted by intimate and/or sexual contact. No doubt, human
lice infestation is an increasing problem worldwide, Apart from being an irritating and a shaming human ecto-parasite, they transmit serious
infectious diseases; epidemic or classical
typhus, epidemic relapsing fever as well as
Trench fever. Eradication of
lice infestation prevents transmission of
infectious diseases. People who live and work in close proximity to louse-infested individuals may secondarily acquire lice even if they regularly wash their clothes and have good hygiene. Thus, all louse-infested persons and workers in close contact with such persons should periodically inspected and use long-acting safe
insecticides. Human lice can be treated with agents such as
DDT,
malathion, and
lindane, but reports of resistance to one or more of them have recently appeared.
Pyrethroid permethrin when applied as a dust or spray to clothing or bedding is highly effective against lice and is the delousing agent of choice. Fabric treated with
permethrin retains toxicity to lice even after 20 washings, thereby offering significant long-term passive protection against
epidemic typhus.
Itching may continue even after all lice are destroyed. This happens because of a lingering allergic reactionto their
bites. Over-the-counter
cortisone (
corticosteroid) creams or calamine lotion may help.