Ova of the headlouse attached to a hair. Magnified. (After Kaposi.)
In addition to the pediculi, which, as a rule, may be readily found, their ova, or nits, are always to be seen upon the shaft of the hairs, quite firmly attached.
Describe the appearance of the ova.
They are dirty-white or grayish looking, minute, pear-shaped bodies, visible to the naked eye, and fastened upon the shaft of the hairs with the small end toward the root.
Is there any difficulty in the diagnosis of pediculosis capitis?
No. The diagnosis is readily made, as the pediculi are usually to be found without difficulty, and even when they exist in small numbers and are not readily discovered, the presence of the ova will indicate the nature of the affection.
Pustular eruptions upon the scalp, especially posteriorly, should always arouse a suspicion of pediculosis. The possibility of the pediculosis being secondary to eczema must not be forgotten.
What is the treatment of pediculosis capitis?
Treatment consists in the application of some remedy destructive to the pediculi and their ova. Crude petroleum is effective, one or two thorough applications over night being usually sufficient; in order to lessen its inflammability, and also to mask its somewhat disagreeable odor, it may be mixed with an equal part of olive oil and a small quantity of balsam of Peru added.