Poux

Poux is the French plural noun for a louse, a small parasitic insect that lives on the bodies of mammals and birds. Lice belong to the order Phthiraptera and are divided into two main groups: chewing lice (Mallophaga) and sucking lice (Anoplura). In humans, three types are most commonly encountered: the head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), the body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis), and the crab louse (Pthirus pubis).

Lice are wingless and dorsoventrally flattened, with adaptations suited to living on hair or feathers. The life cycle consists of three stages: the egg (nit), which is glued to hair shafts or clothing fibers; the nymph, which resembles a smaller adult and molts through three instars; and the adult. Eggs hatch after about 7 to 10 days, and adults can live for several weeks on a host, laying multiple eggs during their lifespan.

Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact or via fomites such as combs, brushes, hats, or bedding. Head lice spread readily in households, schools, and other settings where people touch heads. Symptoms typically include intense itching and scratching; secondary skin infections can occur from repeated scratching. Diagnosis is usually by visual inspection and combing to detect nits near the scalp or hair, or adult lice on the hair shafts.

Treatment and control focus on eliminating the parasite and preventing re-infestation. This includes topical pediculicides (for example, certain permethrin or pyrethroid-based products), mechanical removal with fine combs, and thorough cleaning of clothing and bedding in hot water or using high-heat drying. All household members may require treatment, and repeated treatment is often advised to kill newly hatched lice. Preventive measures emphasize avoiding sharing personal items and regular head checks.