Pediculosis is the infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with lice.
The crawling stages of this insect feed on human blood and the bites result in severe itching. Head and body lice are less common than pubic lice. Head lice are most common in children and are transmitted by personal contact as well as contaminated combs and brushes and upholstered furniture. A strong itching, particularly at the back of the head where they nest, should make one suspect them. Body lice prefer to live in the seams of clothing, especially those that have contact with the skin.