kutu

Kutu is a term used in Indonesian and Malay that most commonly refers to lice, the tiny parasitic insects that infest humans. In everyday speech, kutu can denote both head lice (kutu rambut or kutu kepala) and body lice (kutu badan). Lice are obligate ectoparasites in the order Phthiraptera and feed on human blood.

Infestation, or pediculosis, spreads through direct contact or by sharing personal items such as combs, hats, or bedding. Symptoms include itching and irritation of the scalp, and there may be visible buildup of nits attached to hair shafts. Diagnosis is usually by visual inspection and sometimes aided by a nit comb. Treatment typically involves medicated shampoos or lotions containing pediculicides, followed by removal of nits with combing. Because nits hatch into new lice, retreatment after about 7 to 10 days is sometimes recommended. Items that may harbor lice—clothing, towels, bedding—should be washed or sealed to prevent re-infestation.

Outside Southeast Asia, the word kutu exists in other languages with different meanings. For example, in Turkish, kutu means a box or container, unrelated to the Southeast Asian usage. The term’s meaning can vary by language and region, so context is important when interpreting its use.

See also Pediculosis; Lice.