Scalp Infestation With Phthirus pubis

To the Editor.—  The crab louse, Phthirus pubis, is commonly found on hairs in the pubic region, although it may also be found on the abdomen, thigh, eyelashes, eyebrows, axillae, trunk, and perianal area.¹ In 1918, Nuttall² refers to several earlier reports of crab lice occurring in the scalp hair and regarded such cases as very rare, especially in adults. Phthirus pubis scalp infestation without other body infestation is presumed even less common.^3,4 We describe an adult woman with P pubis scalp infestation in the absence of other body involvement.

Report of a Case.—  A 25-year-old woman complained of posterior scalp pruritus and irritation of one week's duration. She denied rashes, chills, fever, or sweats, and was feeling well otherwise. Several weeks earlier, her three school-aged children had similar complaints of posterior scalp pruritus, and were informed by school officials that they had "head lice."