[Pediculosis].
Head pediculosis is a benign and common disease, particularly in children. It is usually asymptomatic and a definite diagnosis is not always easy. When a case is discovered, overdiagnosis and unwarranted therapies may be a consequence of patient follow-up and contact investigation. As a general rule, topical pediculicides--mainly permethrin and malathion--give good results despite the emergence of resistance in some countries. Pediculosis of the body affects populations with very poor sanitation conditions; simple hygiene measures are the cornerstone of therapy. Phtirius pubis is sexually transmitted, easily diagnosed and treated with topical pediculicides.
Chuard
Christian
C
Clinique de médecine et Unité de prévention et contrôle de l'infection, Hôpital fribourgeois, 1708 Fribourg. chuardc@h-fr.ch
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D010373:Lice Infestations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy* / Q000635:transmission; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy