A nurse is checking a school-age child for pediculosis capitis. Which of the following findings is a definitive indication of this condition?

A. Patches of baldness: Patches of baldness on the scalp could be indicative of conditions like alopecia areata, a disorder characterized by hair loss in patches. However, it is not a typical manifestation of pediculosis capitis, which primarily presents with scalp itchiness due to lice bites rather than hair loss.

B. Blisters on the scalp: Blisters on the scalp may suggest other conditions such as herpes simplex infection or contact dermatitis. While scratching from head lice infestation could lead to skin irritation, blisters are not a common presentation of pediculosis capitis.

C. Dry patches on the scalp: Dry patches on the scalp might be caused by conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or eczema. While scalp dryness can occur with pediculosis capitis due to irritation from scratching, it is not a specific symptom associated with head lice infestation.

D. Reports of scalp itchiness: Scalp itchiness is a hallmark symptom of pediculosis capitis. It occurs as a result of lice bites and the body's inflammatory response to their saliva. It is the most characteristic and common manifestation of head lice infestation and often prompts further examination for the presence of lice or their eggs (nits).

A. Firmly attached white particles on the hair:

Firmly attached white particles on the hair are characteristic of nits, which are the eggs of lice. While this finding supports the diagnosis of pediculosis capitis, it is not a definitive indication on its own.

B. Itching and scratching of the head:

Itching and scratching of the head are common symptoms of pediculosis capitis. However, they are also common symptoms of various other scalp conditions, so they are not definitive indications.

C. Thick, yellow-crusted lesions on a red base:

This description is more characteristic of impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, rather than pediculosis capitis. Impetigo typically presents with yellow-crusted lesions on a red base, but it does not involve lice infestation.

D. Patchy areas of hair loss:

Patchy areas of hair loss are not typically associated with pediculosis capitis. This finding is more suggestive of conditions like alopecia areata or fungal infections.