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Case Reports
. 2022 Jun 15;14(6):e25956.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.25956. eCollection 2022 Jun.

Head Lice Infestation: An Unusual Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia in a 13-Year-Old Female

Chukwunonye O Ogbuji  1 , Alexis Schuck  2 , Matthew DeVries  2 , Elleana J Majdinasab  2 , Kevin Benson  1 , Samer Zaid-Kaylani  1 , Smita Bhaskaran  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Head Lice Infestation: An Unusual Cause of Iron Deficiency Anemia in a 13-Year-Old Female

Chukwunonye O Ogbuji et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Pediculosis is a parasitic infestation of the human head and body by Pediculus humanus. This is a benign condition commonly seen in children and capable of causing severe pruritus. The parasite thrives on human blood and in some cases, the volume of blood loss over time could be large enough to precipitate anemic symptoms in the patient. We describe the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with shortness of breath on exertion, palpitations, and easy fatigability. An incidental finding of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation was made during physical examination. Complete laboratory investigations did not reveal other possible causes of anemia, leading to a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) secondary to severe chronic pediculosis. This case highlights a rare and unusual cause of IDA in children caused by pediculosis, and the need for a thorough investigation, close follow-up, and treatment.

Keywords: blood loss; head lice infestation; iron deficiency anemia; pediculosis; pediculus humanus capitis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Patient's hair after being shaved showing visible parasites
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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