Home > Encyclopedia of Children's Health > Lice Infestation

Definition

A lice infestation, or pediculosis, is caused by parasites living on human skin. Lice are tiny, wingless insects with sucking mouthparts that feed on human blood and lay eggs on body hair or in clothing. Lice bites can cause intense itching.

Description

There are three related species of human lice:

• head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis
• body lice, Pediculosis humanus corpus
• pubic lice, Phthirus pubis, commonly called crab lice

Pediculosis capitis is an infestation of head lice. A body lice infestation is called pediculosis corporis. Pediculosis palpebrarum or phthiriasis palpebrarum, caused by crab lice, is an infestation of the pubic...