Pediculosis

is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with the eggs, larvae or
adults of lice. The crawling stages of this insect feed on human blood, which can
result in severe itching. Head lice are usually located on the scalp, crab lice in the
pubic area and body lice along seams of clothing. Body lice travel to the skin to feed
and return back to the clothing.
Pediculosis Capitis- Scalp
Pediculosis Palpebrarum- Eyelids and Eyelashes
Pediculosis Pubis- Pubic Hair
Pediculosis Corporis- Body
Mode of Transmission: Transmission occurs mainly by direct head-to-head
contact with hair
of infested people. Lice are unable to hop or fly, but can
crawl at a
rapid pace.
Transmission by contact with personal belongings, such as combs, hair brushes and
hats is uncommon.
Away from the scalp, head lice survive less than two days at room temperature,
and their eggs generally become nonviable within a week and cannot hatch at a
lower ambient temperature than that near the scalp

Clinical Manifestations
Nits in hair/ clothing
Irritating maculopapular or urti

Management/Treatment
Disinfect implements
Lindanee (Kwell)
Permethrin (Nix)

Prevention
Good personal hygiene

Avoiding contact with persons suffering from pediculosis

Scabies
Scabies is an age-old skin infection caused by an itch mite, which penetrates the
skin, forming burrows.
Ethiology
The disease is caused by a mite, Sarcoptes scabiei.
The mite is yellowish-white and can barely be seen by the unaided eye.
Scabies occurs worldwide and is predisposed by overcrowding and poor hygiene.
The parasite does not survive more than 3- 4 days away from the skin.
Mode of Transmission
Transmission is direct- through an infected individual.
The disease is also acquired through sleeping on an infested bed or wearing
infested clothing.
Anyone may become infected or re-infected.
Infestation with mites may also result from contact with dogs, cats and other small
animals.

Clinical Manifestations
Intense itching, mostly at night;
Looks like small, red, slightly raised spots (a pimple like rash) or streaks in the skin;
May have tiny blisters;
Common areas are between fingers, on wrists or belt lines and in the folds of the
skin, but may appear anywhere on the body.
Management/Treatment
Treatment for scabies consists of application of a pediculicide, such as Permethrin
(Nix) cream, as a thin layer over the entire skin surface, left on for 10- 12 hours.
Crotamiton cream is applied for 5 consecutive nights.

Neosporin ointment is rubbed onto the affected skin for 4-5 times a day.
Eurax and Kwell lotion also prove effective in some patients.
Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can be useful in giving relief from
the itch.
All clothes used before and during the treatment period should be disinfected by dry
cleaning or boiling.

Nursing Care
Instruct the patient to apply the cream at bedtime, from the neck down to the toes,
covering the entire body.
Contaminated clothing or bedclothes should be dry- cleaned or boiled.
Advise the patient to report any skin irritation.
Suggest that family members and other close contacts of the patient be checked for
possible symptoms and treated if necessary.
If the patient is hospitalized, practice good hand washing technique or use gloves
while performing nursing procedure.
Terminal disinfection should be carried out after the discharge of the patient.
Prevention and Control:
Good personal hygiene
Avoid contact with infected persons
All members of the household, including close contacts, should be treated
After the treatment, beddings and clothing worn next to the skin should be properly
laundered