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Jun 24, 2024 · Overview. Body lice are parasites, or insects, that feed on human blood. Body lice can spread disease. They live and lay eggs on clothing and bedding used by infested people. Adult body lice are small, only 2.3 – 3.6 mm in length (about the size of a sesame seed). Improved hygiene and access to regular changes of clean clothes is the only ...
- About Lice
Key points. Lice are parasitic insects found on people's...
- About Lice
- Overview
- What causes body lice infestation?
- Recognizing the signs of body lice infestation
- How is body lice infestation diagnosed?
- Ridding your body and home of body lice
- What are the complications of body lice infestation?
- Tips to prevent body lice infestation
Body lice usually infest people who aren’t able to bathe or change clothes regularly. Good personal hygiene and changing into clean clothes at least once a week should be enough to prevent body lice.
An infestation of body lice occurs when a certain type of lice invade the body and clothing. Lice are parasitic insects that feed on human blood and can infest the head, body, and pubic area.
There are three types of lice that infest humans:
•body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis)
•head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis)
•pubic louse (Pthirus pubis)
The body louse is larger than other types of lice. They lay their eggs and leave waste on skin and in clothing. Lice can crawl, but they can’t fly, hop, or jump.
Infestations occur worldwide and are spread via close person-to-person contact or through commonly shared bed linens, towels, and clothing. In general, infestations of body lice are limited to people who live in unhygienic or crowded living conditions and who don’t have access to clean clothing.
Common symptoms of a body lice infestation include:
•intense itching (pruritus)
•rash caused by an allergic reaction to body lice bites
•red bumps on the skin
An infestation by body lice is typically diagnosed by looking at the skin and clothing and observing eggs and crawling lice. The insects are about the size of a sesame seed. They are big enough to see with the naked eye, but a magnifying lens can be used to help find them. The eggs (called nits) are usually found in the seams of clothing.
A body lice infestation is normally treated through improved personal hygiene and regular changes of clean, washed clothing.
All clothing, bed linens, and towels used by the infested person should be washed with hot water (at least 130 degrees) and then dried in a machine with hot air.
Medications that kill lice, called pediculicides, may be used to treat body lice infestation. However, this is usually not necessary if clothing is laundered and personal hygiene is maintained. Lice-killing products may be toxic to humans, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Shop for pediculicides.
Secondary infection
The itchiness may lead to scratching, which may cause cuts and sores. These open wounds are at risk of being infected by bacteria.
Changes in skin
In cases of prolonged infestation, skin can become dark and thick, especially along the midsection.
Spread of disease
Rarely, body lice can also carry other uncommon bacterial diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, body lice have caused epidemics of typhus and louse-borne relapsing fever. This typically occurs in places where war, poverty, or climate has made good hygiene extremely difficult.
Body lice usually infest people who aren’t able to bathe or change clothes regularly. Good personal hygiene and changing into clean clothes at least once a week should be enough to prevent body lice infestation.
You should also make sure not to share clothing, bed linens, or towels with someone who is infested. If you discover body lice, machine washing and drying all infested clothing and bedding in hot water should prevent body lice from returning. Family members or those who share living areas with you may also want to be treated.
- Jacquelyn Cafasso
Nov 16, 2022 · Symptoms. Body lice bites can cause intense itching, and you may notice small areas of blood and crust on your skin at the site of the bite marks. See your doctor if improved hygiene doesn't remove the infestation, or if you develop a skin infection from scratching the bites. Request an appointment.
Feb 26, 2024 · Lice are external parasites that live on the skin. Most lice are harmless to overall health, but they do cause tiny bites, which can be bothersome. ... While body lice tend to bite during the day ...
Jun 5, 2024 · Body lice are parasites about the size of sesame seeds that live and lay eggs in clothing, crawling onto the skin to feed. They mainly transmit among closely condensed populations with little ...
Symptoms of body lice bites include itchy and irritated skin and small, discolored bites. You can treat and prevent body lice infestations by bathing daily and washing your clothing and bedding at least once a week. Medications can help get rid of severe body lice infestations. Find a Primary Care Provider.
Sep 4, 2024 · Key points. Lice are parasitic insects found on people's heads and bodies. Lice spread by close person-to-person contact. The three types of lice affecting humans are head, body, and pubic. Both over the counter and prescription medications can treat lice.
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Are body lice parasites?
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