DEFINITION

 Also known as head lice

 Is an infestation of the scalp by Pediculus humanus

capitis, a common parasite in school-age children

 Creates embarrassment and concern in the family

and community; and can also cause a child to be
ridiculed by other children
Louse- a blood- sucking organism that requires
approximately 5 meals a day
Adult louse lives only about 48 hrs when away from the
human host and the life span of an average female is 1
month.
Female louse lays eggs at night at the junction of a
hair shaft and close to the skin because the eggs needs
warm environment
Nits, or eggs hatch in approximately 7-10 days
Clinical Manifestations

 Itching - the usual symptom caused by

crawling insects and insect saliva on the skin

 Occipital area, behind the ears, and at the

nape of the neck are the common sites
involved