Pediculosis capitis is best described as?

Pediculosis capitis is best described as?

• A. Infestation of head lice
• B. Dandruff
• C. Beaded hair caused by irregular hair growth
• D. Knotted hair caused by weak hair shafts

Answer: (A)

Infestation of the scalp with head lice. Pediculosis capitis means there are live lice and their eggs on the scalp and hair; lice feed on blood and eggs (nits) are firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp. In practice, this matters for hygiene and safety—don’t share combs or capes, sanitize tools, and advise treatment to remove the infestation to prevent spreading. This condition is different from dandruff, which is flaky skin, and from hair shaft problems like beaded or knotted hair, which involve the hair itself rather than a parasite.

Infestation of the scalp with head lice. Pediculosis capitis means there are live lice and their eggs on the scalp and hair; lice feed on blood and eggs (nits) are firmly attached to hair shafts near the scalp. In practice, this matters for hygiene and safety—don’t share combs or capes, sanitize tools, and advise treatment to remove the infestation to prevent spreading. This condition is different from dandruff, which is flaky skin, and from hair shaft problems like beaded or knotted hair, which involve the hair itself rather than a parasite.