What's eating you? head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)
Dagrosa, A.T.; Elston, D.M.
Cutis 100(6): 389-392
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 0011-4162 PMID: 29360900 Document Number: 694856
The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) is a blood-sucking arthropod of the suborder Anoplura. Infestation continues in epidemic proportions in children of all socioeconomic groups. Although not implicated as a disease vector, infestation can lead to considerable distress, missed days of school, and secondary infections. Pyrethroids are recommended for treatment, but resistance is common. Newer agents, including benzyl alcohol and spinosad, have been developed to address this gap in care.