NIC Cosmetology Written (Theory) ExamScientific ConceptsMedium
A cosmetologist is observing a client's scalp during a hair service. The client has an infestation characterized by small, wingless insects that feed on human blood, causing intense itching and small red bumps. Tiny, white, oval-shaped eggs are also visible, firmly attached to the hair shafts. What condition is the cosmetologist observing?
- ATinea capitis
- BScabies
- CPediculosis capitis
- DDandruff (Pityriasis capitis)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Pediculosis capitis
Pediculosis capitis, or head lice, is an infestation of the scalp by blood-feeding insects (lice) that cause intense itching and small red bumps. Their eggs, called nits, are small, white, and firmly attached to hair shafts.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Tinea capitis is a fungal infection, causing scaling, redness, and hair breakage, not visible insects or firmly attached eggs.
- B. Scabies is caused by mites burrowing into the skin, not insects on hair shafts, and typically causes intense itching with burrows and rashes, not nits.
- D. Dandruff is a common scalp condition causing flaking, but not insects, intense itching from bites, or firmly attached eggs.
Pediculosis Capitis
An infestation of the human head by head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis), characterized by intense itching and the presence of lice and their eggs (nits) firmly attached to hair shafts.
- Head lice infestation
- Causes intense itching
- Visible lice (small, wingless insects)
- Nits (eggs) firmly attached to hair shafts
Memory trick: Pediculosis Puts Pests in your Hair