Milady Cosmetology Practice Exam

What is an infestation of the hair and scalp with head lice called?

1. Scabies

2. Pediculosis Capitis

3. Dermatitis

4. Fungal Infection

The correct answer is: Pediculosis Capitis

An infestation of the hair and scalp with head lice is referred to as Pediculosis Capitis. This term specifically denotes the presence of lice, which are parasitic insects that feed on human blood. Unlike other skin conditions or infections, Pediculosis Capitis is characterized by itching, irritation, and the potential for secondary infections due to scratching. In contrast, the other choices represent different conditions. Scabies, for instance, is caused by a different parasite (the itch mite) that burrows into the skin, leading to intense itching but is not specific to hair or the scalp. Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin that may present with redness and irritation but does not involve lice. A fungal infection involves organisms like yeast or other fungi and typically affects the scalp's health in a different way, such as causing ringworm, not lice infestation. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify why Pediculosis Capitis is the correct answer when discussing lice specifically.