Pediculosis refers to the infestation of blood-sucking ectoparasitic insects of the order Phthiraptera commonly known as lice. This condition is not only observed in humans, it also occurs in almost every other warm-blooded animals including mammals and birds. In common use, pediculosis is synonymously used with pediculosis capitis, a specific condition involving the infestation of the human head with the head lice. Pediculosis actually refers to lice infestation in any part of the body.
There are three types of pediculosis: pediculosis capitis or head lice infestation, pediculosis corporis or Vagabond's disease, and pediculosis pubis also known as crabs.
Head lice infestation is common among children 3-10 years of age. It occurs more frequently in females. Though lice don't burrow into the skin or scalp, the infestation can spread or be passed to another person through head to head contact.
The most common sign of pediculosis is itching that normally intensifies in 3 to 47 weeks. The presence of lice can be verified through the use of a louse comb.