Phthiriasis

The ancient Greek word "phtheiriasis" (phtheir = louse; phtheiro = destroy) contains the interpretation of an infestation of the body with lice leading to death. Plinus the Elder (23/24 - 79 A.D.) is the first Roman to report a fatal course of a lice disease. Plutarch of Chaironeia (45 - 120 A.D.) mentions in his biography of the Roman dictator Sulla his futile fight against this disease. The development of the lice was suspected in the subcutis. As late as the 18th century, this particular form of lice disease was still referred to, in which lice build nests between the skin and muscles. Certainly, diseases are described here which have nothing to do with pediculosis.

Lice disease. S.u. Pediculosis capitis; Pediculosis pubis.

The ancient Greek word for lice disease (phtheiriasis - phtheir = louse - phtheiro = destroy) describes a partially fatal disease with nodules in which lice are found. Plinus the Elder (12/24-70 A.D.) is the first Roman to describe a fatal course of a lice disease. Plutarch of Chaironeia (45 - 120 A.D.) describes the Roman dictator Sulla's vain struggle against his lice disease. Radish juice, vinegar, sea water and various other plant extracts were recommended for therapy.
It is still unclear today which disease these and later authors described under this term. Neither lice nor scabies mites live "under the skin" or lead to death.

S.u. Pediculosis pubis

pediculosis capitis

Bahmer FA (2015) Phthiriasis, the mysterious lice disease of antiquity. Fact or fiction? Dermatologist 66: 143-148