Pediculosis is an infestation of head lice on the hair of the head.
The lice feed on human blood which can cause severe local itching. Anyone may become infested with head lice, regardless of age, sex, race, or standards of personal hygiene. Lice from animals do not infest humans. The first indication of an infestation is usually itching at the back of the head and around the ears. Severe scratching may result in secondary bacterial infection in these areas.