skägglöss

skägglöss, also known as beard lice, are ectoparasites of the species Pediculus humanus that primarily infest the facial hair and beard of humans. They are externally visible insects, about 1.2–1.5 mm long, with a flattened, oval body and six legs adapted for clinging to hair shafts. Unlike head lice, which prefer scalp hair, skägglöss are adapted to the thicker, coarser hairs of the beard and moustache.

The life cycle of a skägglöss parallels that of other lice. A female lays 1–12 eggs (nits) each day, gluing them to the hair shaft with a strong cement. Eggs hatch within 6–10 days into nymphs, which molt five times before reaching adulthood, a process that takes roughly 3–4 weeks. Adult lice can live up to 30 days when conditions are favorable. Transmission occurs through close personal contact, shared grooming tools, or contaminated clothing, though vertical transmission from mother to child at birth has been documented in limited reports.

Clinical manifestations are typically mild and include itching, local irritation, and occasionally secondary bacterial infections. Diagnosis is made by visual inspection of facial hair under magnification, with the identification of live lice or nits as definitive evidence. Treatment regimens often mirror those for head lice, involving topical pediculocides such as permethrin 1 % shampoo or pyrethrin-based products, followed by combing to remove nits. Some clinicians recommend thorough washing of facial hair with hot water and gentle application of medicated rinse twice daily.

Prevention focuses on personal hygiene and avoidance of sharing grooming implements. Regular combing of beard hair and laundering of kit clothes can reduce infestation risk. While skägglöss are fairly uncommon in contemporary urban populations, they remain a documented concern in certain pockets of sub‑urban and rural communities where beard grooming practices differ. Continuous surveillance and public awareness are recommended to maintain low prevalence and prevent secondary complications.