HEAD LICE IN PAKISTAN: UNDERSTANDING EPIDEMIOLOGY, SOCIETAL ATTITUDES, TREATMENT PREFERENCES, AND PEDICULICIDE RESISTANCE TRENDS

Abstract

Pediculosis is human louse infestation, also referred to as headlice infestation in clinics. Headlice [pediculous humanus capitis] is a hematophagous ectoparasite sucker lice that lives on human scalp. After transmission, it carries out essential life processes including feeding and reproduction. Feeding causes the development of symptoms among which most common are itching, irritability, sores in the scalp, etc. While complications may include lymphadenopathy and co-infections. The main objective was to establish the emergence of resistance in present pediculicides and the need of newer anti-headlice agents which should be more effective and convenient to use. A survey was conducted via Google questionnaire form, in which data was collected in 5 different sections. Headlice prevalence was highest in 20-30 age group. Prevalence was highest in long straight hair. The majority 64.2% controlled headlice by fine combing. 93.5% population never consulted a physician for headlice eradication, mostly people were using anti-lice shampoo. Interestingly, almost half of these failed to eradicate headlice. Regarding social perception for head lice infestation, majority 40.8% were considerate about people around them who may get lice infestation; but a large number were embarrassed and wanted to eradicate pediculosis at earliest if they got headlice. Regarding the need of newer pediculicides, there were significant evidence according to collected data about inconvenience, safety issues, and development of resistance in preferred conventional therapies. 85.1% respondents were exclusively agreed upon need of newer pediculicides for headlice infestation.