[Pediculosis--still an up-to-date clinical problem].

Pediculosis is one of the most frequently observed parasitic diseases. Despite the progress of civilization it is still a significant sanitary-epidemiological and social problem. It not only causes skin lesions, persistent pruritus or secondary bacterial infections, but it also causes social isolation and negative milieu reactions. Disease is often prevalent in all countries of the world, with infection more easily occurring in poor and neglected environments. Official statistics do not reflect the range of the problem because approved registration systems do not include the majority of cases.