Scalp Pruritus Measurement Using Visual Analog Scale and 5-d Itch Scale in Children With Pediculosis Capitis
Scalp Pruritus Measurement Using Visual Analog Scale and 5-d Itch Scale in Children With Pediculosis Capitis
Pediculosis capitis is a parasitic infestation that can cause scalp pruritus and quality of
 life disturbances. There are two objective measurement for pruritus, visual analog scale
 (VAS) and 5-D itch scale, which can assess the severity of the scalp pruritus and the latter
 can also asses the quality of life affected by pruritus. Even though VAS can not be used to
 evaluate the impact of pruritus on quality of life, it is very easy to use while 5-D itch
 scale is complex and not child-friendly.

 The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between two different pruritus scales
 and to establish validity of pruritus VAS scale in evaluating quality of life in children
 with pediculosis capitis. We compare two pruritus scale on students with pediculosis of two
 boarding school in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.
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