Head pediculosis is a benign and common disease, particularly in children. It is usually asymptomatic and a definite diagnosis is not always easy. When a case is discovered, overdiagnosis and unwarranted therapies may be a consequence of patient follow-up and contact investigation. As a general rule, topical pediculicides--mainly permethrin and malathion--give good results despite the emergence of resistance in some countries. Pediculosis of the body affects populations with very poor sanitation conditions; simple hygiene measures are the cornerstone of therapy. Phtirius pubis is sexually transmitted, easily diagnosed and treated with topical pediculicides.