Body lice are tiny parasites (Pediculus humanus corporis) that spread through close contact with other people.
There are three types of lice:
This article focuses on body lice.
Lice feed on human blood and live in the seams and folds of clothing. They lay their eggs and deposit waste matter on the skin and clothing.
You can catch body lice if you come in direct contact with someone who has lice, or with infected clothing, towels, or bedding.
Body lice are bigger than other types of lice.
You are more likely to get body lice if you have poor hygiene or live in close (overcrowded) conditions. Infestation is unlikely to last on anyone who bathes regularly, and who has at least weekly access to freshly laundered clothing and bedding.
If the lice fall off of a person, they die within about 5 - 7 days at room temperature.
Your doctor can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin and clothing.
Persons with body lice should also be checked for head and pubic lice.
Body lice live primarily in clothing. Destroy or carefully wash infected clothing in hot water (at least 130 degrees F), then machine dry using a hot cycle.
In addition, your doctor may recommend a prescription cream or wash. However, hygiene and washng clothes, bedding, and towels are most important and are usually enough.
With effective treatment, the lice can be completely eliminated.
Another (secondary) skin infection may occur from scratching. In rare cases, body lice may carry uncommon diseases, such as relapsing or trench fever. Because body lice is contagious, other family members may want to be treated.
Call your health care provider if you have lice in your clothing or persistent itchiness.
Good personal hygiene and effective treatment of infected persons will prevent lice from spreading to others.
Lice - body