Primary Care Perspectives: Getting Itchy With It: What to Know About Lice and Scabies in the Primary Care Setting - Episode 105

Summary: Did you know that the pincers of head lice are perfectly suited to the caliber of children’s hair? And they need a blood-meal every 24 hours to survive? If you hate lice – and love puns – tune in for this discussion with Albert Yan, MD, pediatric dermatologist, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He reviews: the epidemiology of lice, including why they may be more common in certain types of hair; distinguishing between nits and dandruff during exam; treatments for lice and resistance to permethrin and pyrethrum; and newer treatment options like spinosad and topical ivermectin. Scabies are also discussed: a review of transmission, findings and risk factors; where to look for lesions; correctly applying permethrin for scabies; differential diagnosis for scabies; secondary infections from scabies; when to consider referral to dermatology for lice or scabies; and more.