Scalp Pruritus Measurement Using Visual Analog Scale and 5-d Itch Scale in Children With Pediculosis Capitis

This study used cross sectional design study.

Subjects with eligible criteria were included and informed consent from the parents or legal guardian were obtained.

The diagnosis of pediculosis capitis was made based on the findings of eggs, larva, or an adult parasite on the scalp or in the hair of the students. All subjects were asked for both VAS and 5-D itch scale.The VAS is categorized into five groups based on the point, as follows: 0 for no pruritus, <3 for mild pruritus, ≥ 3 - <7 for moderate pruritus, ≥ 7 - <9 for severe pruritus, and ≥ 9 for very severe pruritus. The 5-D itch scale consists of five parameters: duration, degree, direction, disability (sleep, leisure/social activities, housework/errands, work/school), and distribution of the pruritus with points ranging from one to five.

Data were recorded for statistical analysis, a chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between two categorical variables. The correlation coefficient between the VAS and 5-D itch scale was calculated using Spearman's rank correlation

Inclusion criteria

• Students studying in Junior high school at Boarding School in Bogor with medium length hair who were clinically diagnosed with pediculosis capitis
• Willingness to participate as a research subject (to be interviewed and undergo physical examination), and after being explained the details of the study, granted the headmaster permission to sign consent in their name (informed assent)

Exclusion criteria

• Chemical treatment of PC within 10 days before the trial
• History of permethrin hypersensitivity
• Unwillingness to participate as a research subject
• Mild-to-severe secondary infection
• Long or short hair