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pediculosis
(pә-dik″u-lo´sis)
infestation with lice (see louse). Lice live on the host's blood, obtained by piercing the skin and sucking the blood through the mouth part. The area of
skin that has been bitten itches and may become sore and infected if the host continually scratches it. Not only are lice
an annoyance, but they also transmit some diseases, such as typhus.
pediculosis pubis
infestation with lice of the species Phthirus pubis, the crab louse, usually limited to the pubic hairs but sometimes involving other hairy areas such as the eyelashes, eyebrows,
or armpits. It is usually transmitted sexually but may be contracted from bedding and clothing. Called also crabs and phthiriasis.
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