Introduction
Maculae cerulea is a skin condition caused due to pediculosis capitis bite. Maculae cerulea is one of the pediculosis pubis infestations typically described as the bluish-brown macules ranging from millimeters to centimeters in size. Lice are parasitic insects on the head, body, and pubic areas. Lice feed on human blood and cause lesions due to poor body hygiene. Pediculosis capitis is the lice on the head, thereby causing lesions on the scalp. The color of the lesions is due to the hemosiderin deposits. Medications such as pediculicides and natural remedies are also available to reduce the maculae cerulea. In addition, maculae cerulea are present with pruritus and rash due to the allergic response of the host. Lice are of different types, and the different types of lice are given below.
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Pediculus humanus corporis - Body louse.
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Pediculosis humanus capitis - Head louse.
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Pthirus pubis - Pubic louse.
What Is Maculae Cerulea?
Maculae cerulea means sky blue colored spots. Maculae cerulea refers to the bluish macules present on the human skin. Maculae cerulea are skin infestations caused by parasitic insects such as crab louse. The macules are reddish blue and range from one to two centimeters in size. The maculae cerulea lesions are primarily found in different body regions, and the commonly involved site of maculae cerulea is the scalp, thigh, and genital areas. The lesions of maculae cerulea are considered the secondary condition resulting from the anticoagulant activity of the louse's saliva. People with maculae cerulea will experience generalized acute urticaria and itching. The prolonged itching causes the wheals in different sizes. Treatment of maculae cerulea involves topical Ivermectin medication, and some hygiene measures must be followed to avoid maculae cerulea.
What Causes Maculae Cerulea?
Maculae cerulea are caused by lice. Sucking lice will feed on the human blood and cause an itchy rash. The maculae cerulea are the cutaneous lesions on the human skin caused by the sucking lice on the body. Typically, lice are harmless, and lice will not affect the individual's general health. However, the maculae cerulea is a localized symptom, and lice cause it. The different types of lice causing maculae cerulea are given below.
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Head lice.
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Pubic lice.
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Body lice.
Head Lice:
Head lice are small parasitic insects ranging from two to three millimeters in length. They feed on the human blood. The eggs are called nits and are present in the root of hair shafts. The head lice do not transmit diseases and are transmitted to the other person from head to head contact. Occasionally, the maculae cerulea arose from head lice causing secondary infections.
Pubic Lice:
Pubic lice are also referred to as crabs and are present in the genital region. The pubic lice are small and are present on the armpit and facial hair. The size of the pubic lice ranges from 1.1 millimeters to 1.8 millimeters. The transmission of pubic lice happens during sexual contact.
Body Lice:
Body lice are present in the beds and clothes. The body lice may crawl in several regions, such as the neck, waist, eyebrows, groin, armpits, and shoulders. Body lice bite causes an itching rash and often causes an allergic reaction. In addition, poor hygiene favors the body lice and causes maculae cerulea.
What Are the Symptoms of Maculae Cerulea?
The symptoms of maculae cerulea include generalized itching and rash. Pruritus is present and cutaneous wheals of different sizes are seen in maculae cerulea. Some symptoms of maculae cerulea are given below.
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Skin irritation.
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Small red spots.
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Sores.
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Infections.
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Tingling sensation.
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Skin is thick.
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Sometimes the body lice will transmit some diseases like typhus and trench fever.
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Louse-borne relapsing fever causes nausea, vomiting, myalgia called muscle pain, and recurring fever.
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Systemic symptoms include fever, headaches, weakness, and dizziness.
How to Diagnose Maculae Cerulea?
Maculae cerulea are diagnosed by the patient history of lice bite and clinical examination. The body and the clothes are examined for any body lice and crabs. Body lice and nits can be seen. Combing is done to check the presence of head lice. The symptoms of maculae cerulea are checked on the scalp, waist, armpits, neck, groin, and genitals.
What Is the Treatment of Maculae Cerulea?
Good body hygiene is maintained to avoid different types of lice in the human body. In addition, other hygienic measures should be followed, including regular bathing, washing towels, and avoiding contact with contaminated objects. The various modes of treatment for treating maculae cerulea and avoiding the lice are given below.
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Oral Ivermectin is effective against head lice.
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Antihistamines.
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Corticosteroids, such as Hydrocortisone, are used to relieve itching.
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Topical Ivermectin 0.5% lotion is also recommended.
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Permethrin one percent is applied topically; a non-conditioning shampoo is used for the head shower and then towel dried.
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Malathion 0.5% is the lotion applied on the dry hair and allowed to dry naturally.
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Lindane one percent.
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Permethrin five percent is the cream applied at night on scabies.
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Crotamiton 10% is effective and used for children, adults, and pregnant women.
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Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim.
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Benzyl alcohol five percent is a pediculicide used for children older than six months.
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Spinosad 0.9%.
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Pyrethrins Plus Piperonyl butoxide.
What Are the Natural Remedies to Avoid Lice?
Natural remedies are also available and can be used at home easily. In addition, natural remedies are considered safe to use and can be readily available at a minimal cost. Some of the natural remedies to avoid lice are given below.
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Aloe vera gel.
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Ice and ice packs reduce itching.
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Oatmeal.
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Anise oil.
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Olive oil.
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Coconut oil.
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Tea tree oil.
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Petroleum jelly.
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Mayonnaise.
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Garlic.
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Thyme oil.
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Sesame oil.
Conclusion
Maculae cerulea are the bluish red spots usually on the skin caused by the lice bite. Different types of lice include body lice, head lice, and pubic lice cause the maculae cerulea in the scalp, neck, armpits, and genitals. School-going children are more susceptible to maculae cerulea, and the spread of lice favors in crowded areas, head-to-head contact, and sharing towels, helmets, clothes, pillows, and beds. Symptoms include itching rash and severe irritation. Prevention of lice and maculae cerulea lesions is achieved by maintaining good body hygiene. Natural remedies are also available and considered safe to use. However, the maculae cerulea are treatable and have an excellent prognosis.
