White fluorescence of pediculus nits under Wood's light.

Abstract

White fluorescence of the eggs of Pediculus capitis was coincidentally observed during examination of a patient with Wood's light for tinea capitis. Examination of the scalp hairs with Wood's light has since been found an aid in locating nits on patients on whom the nits are few and therefore difficult to find. This method is useful in examination of patients after treatment. Dandruff, ointments and other extraneous materials which fluoresce white can usually be easily differentiated from the nits on close examination. Nits of Phthirus pubis are also easy to see with Wood's light examination. The nits of Pediculus corporis also fluoresce white, but, because the background is often a white shirt or white underwear, the nits are not much easier to see with Wood's light than with ordinary light. Wood's light examination is recommended as an aid in locating nits in those cases of pediculosis pubis and pediculosis capitis