Ectoparasitosis are contagious parasitic infections known all over the world, mainly represented by pediculosis and scabies. Head-louse infestation is in some way a public health issue, with regards to the prevalence in schools and insecticide resistance. Scabies is frequent in communities like nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The use of ivermectin (orally, but either topically in USA), and the development of resistance lead to new therapeutic strategies. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.