What are clinical features of pediculosis?

• Frequently associated scalp pruritus • May also have posterior cervical lymph nodes • Dermatitis may be present on the posterior neck • Nits are noted more commonly than lice on exam (live lice scurry away from light) • The most common sites to find nits are on the retroauricular and occipital scalp • Nits within 1 cm of the scalp are typically viable. The distance may be greater in warm environments • Nits must be distinguished from hair casts. Hair casts encircle the hair shaft and move freely in contrast to the nit which is cemented to the hair