"Eczema" of the nape: A marker of pthiriasis capitis

Abstract

Pthirus pubis usually infests the pubis, inguinal folds, buttocks and perianal region. In hairy males or when the infestation is longstanding, this louse can also occur on the thighs, abdomen, chest, axillae and beard. Eyelashes may be involved in children. The involvement of the scalp is very rare. We describe four girls with P. pubis infestation located exclusively on the scalp which was characterized by a rash on the nape that can suggest a head and neck form of atopic dermatitis.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Eczema; Nape; Pthiriasis capitis; Pthirus pubis; Scalp.