Common Health Problems School Age

Causal Agent
Pediculosis is infestation with the human head-and-body louse, Pediculus humanus. There are
two subspecies, the head louse (P. h. capitis) and the body louse (P. h. humanus). They are
ectoparasites whose only known hosts are humans. Recent molecular data suggest that the two
subspecies are ecotypes of the same species and that evolution between the two populations take
place continually.
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.
Anyone may become louse infested under suitable conditions of exposure. Pediculosis is easily
transmitted from person to person during direct contact. Head lice infestations are frequently
found in school settings or institutions. Crab lice infestations can be found among sexually active
individuals. Body lice infestation can be found in people living in crowded, unsanitary
conditions where clothing is infrequently changed or laundered.
What is the treatment for pediculosis?
Medicated shampoos or cream rinses containing pyrethrins or permethrin are preferred for
treating people with head lice. Products containing pyrethrins, permethrin or malathion are
available over-the-counter, but those containing lindane or malathion are available only through
a physician's prescription. Lindane-based shampoos are not recommended for infants, young
children, pregnant women, lactating women, the elderly, persons with HIV or seizure disorders,
persons who have very irritated skin or sores where the lidane will be applied and persons who
weigh less than 110 pounds. Retreatment after 7 to 10 days is often recommended to ensure that
no eggs have survived. Nit combs are available to help remove nits from hair. Dose and duration
of shampoo treatment should be followed carefully according to label instructions.
Impetigo
In general, impetigo is a mild infection that can occur anywhere on the body. It most often
affects exposed skin, such as around the nose and mouth or on the arms or legs. Symptoms
include red, itchy sores that break open and leak a clear fluid or pus for a few days.
How Someone Gets Impetigo
When group A strep infects the skin, it causes sores. The bacteria can spread to others if
someone touches those sores or comes into contact with fluid from the sores.
Young Children Are at Increased Risk
Anyone can get impetigo, but some factors increase someone’s risk of getting this infection.
Age: Impetigo is most common in children 2 through 5 years old.
Infections or injuries that break the skin: People with scabies infection are at increased risk for
impetigo. Participating in activities where cuts or scrapes are common can also increase
someone’s risk of impetigo.
Close contact or crowding: Close contact with another person with impetigo is the most common
risk factor for illness. For example, if someone has impetigo, it often spreads to other people in
their household. Infectious illnesses also tend to spread wherever large groups of people gather.
Crowded conditions — such as those in schools and daycare centers — can increase the spread
of impetigo.
Climate: Impetigo is more common in areas with hot, humid summers and mild winters
(subtropics), or wet and dry seasons (tropics), but it can occur anywhere.
Poor personal hygiene: Lack of proper handwashing, body washing, and facial cleanliness can
increase someone’s risk of getting impetigo.
A less common form of the condition called bullous impetigo causes larger blisters on the trunk
of infants and young children. Ecthyma is a serious form of impetigo that causes painful fluid- or
pus-filled sores.
Bullous impetigo
Bullous impetigo causes fluid-filled blisters — often on the trunk, arms and legs of infants and
children younger than 2 years.
Ecthyma
A more serious form of impetigo, called ecthyma, penetrates deeper into the skin — causing
painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that turn into deep ulcers.

Common Health Problems School Age

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Common Health Problems School Age

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Causal Agent

What is the treatment for pediculosis?

How Someone Gets Impetigo

Young Children Are at Increased Risk

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