Pubic lice are more common in adults. Patients may come to the ED after discovering lice or nits, which indicate infestation. Sometimes children are brought to the ED for evaluation when concerned parents learn about a case of lice at their child's school or daycare center. However, such findings are nonspecific. Although head lice are found on any part of the scalp, they most commonly are found in the post-auricular and occipital areas.
Eggs depend upon body warmth to incubate.
Nits are attached to hair shafts within 3-4 mm of the scalp by a sticky substance. Pubic lice can be found in hairy areas throughout the body, but prefer the perineum and pubic areas. An exception is prepubertal children, in whom eyebrows and eyelashes are common sites of infestation. Pediculosis usually is caused by contact with an infested person. Fomites, such as clothing, headgear, combs, and hairbrushes, may play a role in the spread of lice.