How Do You Spell PEDICULUS CAPITIS?

1. Pediculus capitis is a scientific term that refers to a parasitic insect commonly known as head lice. It is an ectoparasite that feeds exclusively on human blood and infests the scalp and hair.

   These tiny insects have a flattened body and are usually grayish-white or brown in color. They typically measure about 2-3 millimeters in length and are wingless. Head lice have six legs equipped with sharp claws, allowing them to cling to hair strands firmly.

   Head lice infestations are highly contagious and commonly found in children, where they are easily transmitted through direct head-to-head contact or shared personal items like combs, brushes, hats, or headphones. Although head lice do not fly or jump, their strong hook-like claws enable them to crawl quickly from one hair strand to another.

   The primary symptom of head lice infestation is intense itching caused by the allergic reaction to their saliva. Others signs may include the sighting of live lice or their eggs, known as nits, which are white or yellowish oval-shaped sacs attached to the hair shaft near the scalp.

   Effective treatment for pediculus capitis usually involves the use of specialized shampoos, lotions, or creams that contain insecticides to kill the lice and their eggs. Additionally, meticulous combing of the hair with a fine-toothed comb may be necessary to physically remove the lice and nits from the scalp. Rigorous cleaning of infested items and thorough washing of bedding and clothing is also essential to prevent re-infestation.

2. The head louse, living in the scalp.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for PEDICULUS CAPITIS

The word Pediculus Capitis is derived from Latin.

1. Pediculus is a Latin word meaning louse or parasitic insect. It is derived from the word pediculus, which means little foot or small leg. This term refers to the small legs or appendages that lice use for attaching themselves to the host.

2. Capitis is the genitive form of the Latin word caput, which means head. In this context, it indicates that the lice specifically infest the head or scalp region of their host.

Therefore, Pediculus Capitis translates to louse of the head or lice found on the scalp.