A Case Report of Neonatal Pediculosis: A Simple Challenge, yet Complex

Neonatal pediculosis is a problem the magnitude of which has not been estimated; however, it is regarded as a diagnostic challenge and becomes one of the management challenges for which there are very few managementoptions in terms of age, gestation, and the potential effects of drug toxicity.

Here, we report a case of preterm who developed pediculosis capitis in the neonatal intensive care unit following contact with the mother during kangaroo mother care (KMC). She was successfully treated with a combination of topical extra virgin coconut and olive oil. Other radical treatments could not be administered due to cultural barriers.

Furthermore, maternal lice were treated with 1 % permethrin, and the KMC re-initiated. For a successful outcome, the education of the mother was equally important. The neonate was found to be free of lice on follow-up. Therefore, it is concluded that in neonatal pediculosis, topical oils are safe alternatives where drug toxicity is a constraint.